U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Gold Certification

(July 2008) The Glenrosa Service Center received the city's first Gold certification for its use of sustainable materials. The service center, which houses multiple departmental operations for the city’s west side, is owned and maintained by the Public Works Department. Read the news release

U.S. Green Building Council, LEEDS Silver Certification

(June 2008) The Phoenix Convention Center's West Building received the certification for its use of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. The West Building, which opened in June 2006, was designed by Leo A Daly and HOK to achieve LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. Read the news release

Black Enterprise Magazine Online, Growing a Green Business

(April 2008) The city's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program was featured in a recent article as an example of how government is getting green.

Valley Forward Association, "A" Grade in Annual Environmental Report Card

(March 2008) Phoenix received straight A's in the report that rated local government agencies’ response to growth in their region. The report card is an analysis of how individual communities address issues that impact the quality of life for residents today and tomorrow. Read the news release

Time Magazine, Rapidly Greening City

(November 2007) A recent article on green roofs mentioned Phoenix among other cities with strong environmental commitments. Read the article

Environmental Protection Agency, Green Electronics Champion Award

(October 2007)The city’s sustainability efforts received a nod of approval from the Environmental Protection Agency by garnering the city an EPA Green Electronics Champion Award for making computer purchases from manufacturers with Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) registered products. Read the news release

Valley Forward Environmental Excellence Award

(September 2007) Several city projects and initiatives were honored for significant contributions to the environment during the annual Valley Forward Environmental Excellence Awards ceremony. The first-place Crescordia Award went to the following city projects: Phoenix Union High School/University of Arizona College of Medicine; North Gateway Transfer Station/Material Recovery Facility; Cesar Chavez Library; the Green Building Expo, a partnership with Scottsdale and Tempe; and the Sonoran Preserve Edge Treatment Guidelines.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Smart Growth Implementation and Assistance Award

(July 2007) The cities of Phoenix and Mesa, along with METRO light rail, earned one of six awards from the EPA for the 20-mile light rail project. Read the news release

International District Energy Association (IDEA), Sustainable Energy Leadership Award

(June 2007) The IDEA recognized Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Arizona State University President Michael M. Crow with Sustainable Energy Leadership awards. The awards are presented in recognition of exemplary public leadership for sound sustainable energy policy, effective collaboration and community investment, which reflect the vision of IDEA and the district energy industry. ASU has created the School of Sustainability and the Global Institute of Sustainability, and the city of Phoenix has formed a City Council Sustainability Subcommittee. The city’s citizen-based Environmental Quality Commission has been developing environmental policy and recommendations to help shape city programs since the 1980s.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Green Designation

(April 2007) The Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) received the highest federal government rating for its work removing lead hazards in homes throughout Phoenix. Read the news release

SustainLane, Top Ten Cities Using Alt Fuels

(March 2007) SustainLane, a group that compiles information on sustainability, ranked Phoenix seventh in its listing of the top 10 large U.S. cities that are running the highest percentage of their municipal vehicle fleets on alternative fuels. The report found that Phoenix runs 28 percent of its fleet with compressed or liquid natural gas or biodiesel. Get more information

Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), National Community Recycling Leadership Award

(Jan. 2006) The city's Office of Environmenal Programs received the award for its dedication to recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Read the news release

Valley Forward, Environmental Excellence Awards

(Sept. 2005) Phoenix was honored with nine awards for its outstanding contributions to the environment and quality of life in Phoenix. Read the news release

NAHB Research Center, 2004 Silver Winner

(Jan. 2004) The Neighborhood Services Department was recognized by the NAHB as a leader in energy-efficient home building and environmentally conscious building practices. Read the news release

Valley Forward, Environmental Excellence

(Sept. 2004) This year's program recognized two city of Phoenix Engineering and Architectural Services (EAS) projects. The EEA program honors significant contributions to the environment in 20 categories. Read the news release