| Join the City of Phoenix in the Fight to Combat Climate Change | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/1973 | Environment & Sustainability | | 6/29/2021 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1973/Newsroom_Environment_023.jpg | | Join the City of Phoenix in the Fight to Combat Climate Change | <div class="ExternalClass38BFD0527A4049E59BBC5A43B0E00EE0"><html>
<p>Are you concerned about climate change and the impacts to our water, temperatures, and air quality?</p>
<p>The city of Phoenix is asking the community to provide feedback on the draft Climate Action Plan. The proposed plan addresses the challenges posed by climate change and the steps residents can take to help make Phoenix a more sustainable city.</p>
<p>"This plan will be made stronger through community input and ideas, and achieving the goals set forth will require cross-sector and community-wide participation," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. "The Climate Action Plan establishes baselines and charts the path forward to net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner, and it will be updated every two years to track progress and to evolve with the unique needs and circumstances of our city."<br></p>
<p>The draft Climate Action Plan includes goals and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from various activities in these areas: Stationary Energy, Transportation, Waste, Air Quality, Food Systems, Heat, and Water. There are many climate actions in the plan, such as reducing emissions from buildings; transportation and waste; supporting electric vehicles; building a network of cool pedestrian corridors; improving air quality; and continuing to foster an inclusive and equitable city.</p>
<p>Share your climate action ideas and priorities with the city to help fight climate change. There are a variety of ways for residents to get involved: review the draft plan at <a href="/oep/cap" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/climate</a>, complete a <a href="https://ppaz1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_20tB6y04CxRnkMu" target="_blank">survey</a>, and submit feedback, comments or questions to climate@phoenix.gov.</p>
<p>The deadline to provide your ideas and feedback is Friday, Aug. 13.<br></p>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| Mitigating Rising Temperatures in the Edison-Eastlake Community | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/1882 | Environment & Sustainability | | 5/5/2021 7:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1882/Newsroom_Environment_022.jpg | | Mitigating Rising Temperatures in the Edison-Eastlake Community | <div class="ExternalClassA353181A79BA40C9BB96041917E89524"><html>
<p>Cities across the globe are seeing rising summer temperatures, in part, due to the Urban Heat Island Effect. This phenomenon is largely due to urban infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and sidewalks absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night.</p>
<p>In 2018, the city was awarded a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to redevelop the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood just east of downtown Phoenix, which tracks some of the hottest temperatures in the city each summer – up to 10 degrees hotter than other areas of the city. This community-driven redevelopment is leading the way for what it means to be a modern, heat-ready community.</p>
<p>"It is fitting that a historic neighborhood such as Edison-Eastlake will be home to this new vision for heat-ready housing and community spaces that maintain the traditional qualities of a close-knit neighborhood," said Mayor Kate Gallego. “These new mixed-income units not only provide more modern amenities to residents, they also offer a sense of place with added resources, and promote climate action and heat mitigation in their design to enhance the well-being of our residents and our environment."<br></p>
<p>The redevelopment includes: an expansion of Edison Park and the addition of a linear park along 19th Street; the addition of shade trees and shade structures within the many green spaces in the area; an expanded shade canopy along Van Buren, 19th and 20th streets to promote walkability; and the addition of shaded bus shelters. The plan also includes the strategic placement of buildings to block sun exposure and create shade; landscape design and placement of trees to maximize sidewalk shade; the use of heat mitigating roof coatings and building materials, among others.</p>
<p>"The Edison-Eastlake community and its residents have dealt with hotter temperatures due to lack of investment for far too long," said Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia, who represents the city's District 8. “I hope this project will help lessen the impact of the warming climate for this diverse and historic neighborhood."<br></p>
<p>Residents and community stakeholders have been part of the redevelopment team from the very beginning. The Nature Conservancy identified the Edison-Eastlake Community as one of three focus areas throughout the Valley to address the impacts of rising temperatures. The project, with support from Phoenix Revitalization Corporation (PRC), engaged residents and stakeholders to create a Heat Action Plan that provides solutions to urban heat in the neighborhood. The Heat Action Plan identified some of the techniques to reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect.</p>
<p>"It was important that we brought community partners to this project to provide unique expertise and ensure that the voices of the residents were not only heard, but that they saw their ideas come to life in the design and final product," said Deanna Jonovich, acting Housing director.</p>
<p>Community member and resident leader Rosalyn Gordon said shade was of extreme importance to seniors and families, "so it was critical for me to participate in the various community meetings to help identify solutions to address the need for year-round shading in our neighborhood."<br></p>
<p>The city's Housing Department also partnered with urban heat researchers at Arizona State University to offer mitigation best-practices and to place heat sensors throughout the community, including two roof top devices, to provide pre- and post-redevelopment data to measure the true impact of the heat mitigation efforts informed by the residents and project partners.</p>
<p>"It's really about, 'show me the data," said Paul Coseo, PhD, associate professor of landscape architecture, The Design School, Arizona State University. "We believe that these design elements will cool the neighborhood, but data will tell us if they really do."<br></p>
<p>The redevelopment of the Edison-Eastlake Community is taking shape. New units are being constructed and residents now have an outdoor event space that is available for everyone to enjoy, with ramadas, a shaded, community stage and plenty of trees that are getting ready to throw some shade.</p>
<p>Soluna, the first Choice Neighborhoods mixed-income housing development in the Edison-Eastlake Community, is currently taking shape as well. When completed, Soluna will be a modern community with a variety of amenities informed by the residents, including a computer lab, energy-efficient homes and shaded community spaces. The northeast corner will serve as the gateway to the neighborhood and will incorporate public art and shade into an arts plaza. </p>
<p>The next phase of housing development, Harmony at the Park, will continue the heat-mitigation mission, with more shaded community spaces and elements to improve walkability, focusing on safety and comfort. The site will also include a linear park stretching from Villa to Polk streets. This park will provide open green space with walking paths and even more shade trees.</p>
<p>And this is just the beginning of the story. The city of Phoenix Housing Department is seeking LEED for Neighborhood Development Silver certification for the area of the neighborhood north of Van Buren Street. LEED is a framework for identifying, implementing and measuring green building and neighborhood design. </p>
<p>"This project will serve as a national model for redevelopment that incorporates health mitigation strategies and technologies at its core," said David Hondula, PhD, associate professor, School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning, Arizona State University. <br></p>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| Mayors Across Arizona Join Hands to Celebrate Earth Day | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/1860 | Environment & Sustainability | | 4/22/2021 1:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1860/Newsroom_Environment_004.jpg | | Mayors Across Arizona Join Hands to Celebrate Earth Day | <div class="ExternalClass706856F53E374C03944ED9D88ACE9509"><html>
<p>Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and nine other Arizona mayors are coming together to celebrate Earth Day AZ, a new statewide collaboration that celebrates the ways Arizona communities support the Earth with the goal of inspiring residents to take action for Earth Day during the month of April.</p>
<p>
As members of and in partnership with Arizona State University’s
Sustainable Cities Network, Arizona mayors are showing that there is power in unity and the role we all must play in ensuring our planet's health now and in the future. Collectively, we can protect our precious and diverse natural resources and secure a thriving future for our state and the world.
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"On Earth Day, it is important we take time to reflect upon the climate action we've taken and recommit to the projects and investments we need to advance this critically important work. I'm proud to stand with mayors across the state to ensure we are taking meaningful action to protect our planet for generations to come," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.
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Since April 22, 1970, Earth Day has been globally recognized as a way to motivate progressive environmental initiatives. Each year, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, but every day is the perfect opportunity for residents to show their commitment to protect the environment through more sustainable practices.
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The following are simple ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and will help all of us achieve a more sustainable future:
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<p>
<strong>Reducing our consumption to be more sustainable:</strong>
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<ul>
<li><p>
Don't leave water running when not in use
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<li><p>
Carpool or use public transit whenever possible
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</ul>
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<strong>Reusing materials to decrease waste:</strong>
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<ul>
<li><p>
Use your own reusable water bottle or coffee mug
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<li><p>
Take reusable shopping bags to the grocery store
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</ul>
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<strong>Recycling to reduce the amount of waste:</strong>
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<ul>
<li><p>
Quickly rinse out food cans before placing in your blue recycling container
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<li><p>
Junk mail and magazines can go in your blue recycling container
</p></li>
</ul>
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<strong>Reconsidering the items used daily:</strong>
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<ul>
<li><p>
Use energy-efficient and long-lasting LED bulbs in the home
</p></li>
<li><p>
Buy recycled paper for your home and office
</p></li>
</ul>
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<p>Participating cities and towns for Earth Day AZ include:</p>
<div>
<ol>
<li><p>
El Mirage
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<li><p>
Flagstaff
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<li><p>
Fountain Hills
</p></li>
<li><p>
Mesa
</p></li>
<li><p>
Oro Valley
</p></li>
<li><p>
Peoria
</p></li>
<li><p>
Phoenix
</p></li>
<li><p>
Sedona
</p></li>
<li><p>
Tempe
</p></li>
<li><p>
Tucson
</p></li>
</ol>
</div>
<p>To learn more and view a video message from the mayors,
visit <a target="_blank" href="https://sustainability-innovation.asu.edu/sustainable-cities/earth-day-az-2021/">earthdayaz.org</a>.<br></p><br>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| City of Phoenix Seeks Input to Fight Climate Change | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/1577 | Environment & Sustainability | | 10/20/2020 9:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1577/Newsroom_Environment_021.png | | City of Phoenix Seeks Input to Fight Climate Change | <div class="ExternalClass66A92244F15444A69BC13BB9F0218E01"><html>
<p><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>The city of Phoenix is seeking community and stakeholder input on its draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) framework. The proposed plan will address the challenges posed by climate change and help make Phoenix the most sustainable desert city on the planet. </p>
<p>“The global challenge of climate change demands local action, and as a member of the C40 Cities Global Climate Leadership Group and the Climate Mayors Steering Committee, I am committed to doing our part to usher in a healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable future,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. </p>
<p>Phoenix’s membership in the C40 network of cities requires the city to develop a CAP. The draft CAP framework includes goals and specific actions for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from various activities categorized in three areas: Stationary Energy, Transportation and Waste. It also includes Phoenix-specific topics, such as Air Quality, Food Systems, Heat, and Water. </p>
<p>“Climate action is an essential component of the effort to restore our economic security, modernize our economy, and enhance the well-being of our residents and our environment,” said Mayor Gallego.</p>
<p>This opportunity to develop a plan comes after Phoenix just experienced the hottest summer on record, a drier than normal monsoon season and smoke-filled skies from wildfires within Arizona and all along the West Coast. Events like these are predicted to increase in frequency over the coming decades.</p>
<p>To help fight climate change, the city would like to hear the community’s thoughts on how to enhance the environment. There are a variety of opportunities for residents to get involved: review the draft plan framework, participate in virtual workshops, and submit feedback, comments or questions at <a href="/oep/cap" target="_blank"><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>phoenix.gov/oep/cap</a>.</p>
<p>Public comment is due on December 31.<span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| Virtual and Drive-Thru Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest Event | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/1538 | Environment & Sustainability | | 10/1/2020 8:45:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1538/Newsroom_Environment_020.png | | Virtual and Drive-Thru Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest Event | <div class="ExternalClass9A26E574C12B48C397FF77F2134F6751"><html>
<p>To help reduce COVID-19 transmission through social distancing, this year’s Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest event will combine drive-thru and virtual activities from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10. The city of Phoenix and the Junior League of Phoenix will host the drive-thru event at the Cartwright School District Offices and Community Garden, 4208 N. 51st Ave.</p>
<p>Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest is a free, health and wellness event that focuses on healthy lifestyles for families. Goody bags for adults and school-aged children will be given away. Each bag will include fitness activities, gardening kits, food baskets, cooking recipes and special prizes!</p>
<p>The community will also be able to access educational health and wellness videos on the city of Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest website following the event. Videos will include cooking demonstrations from local chefs, gardening tutorials, and other health-related activities.</p>
<p>“Junior League of Phoenix is committed to fighting hunger in greater Phoenix and increasing awareness around living a healthy lifestyle and providing much needed resources to our community,” said Danielle Wilhelmsen, Healthfest Chair for the Junior League. “Not everyone in our community has access to these resources that many of us take for granted, so we’re excited to have found a way to continue this important work through the pandemic with a safe, drive-thru event.”</p>
<p>For more information and to participate in this free event, visit <a href="/OEP/FoodDay" target="_blank"><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>Phoenix.gov/OEP/FoodDay</a>.</p>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Strong Commitment to Sustainability Results in a Major Accomplishment | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/environmental-programs/1530 | Environment & Sustainability | | 9/24/2020 9:35:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1530/Newsroom_Environment_019.jpg | | Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Strong Commitment to Sustainability Results in a Major Accomplishment | <div class="ExternalClassFFD5FBFCCDE242DB89EE0398CD75B4D4"><html>
<p>Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America's Friendliest Airport®, is committed to sustainability. Since 2014, the Airport has undertaken measures to be more sustainable. These efforts have not gone unnoticed in the aviation industry, as for the past four years, Phoenix Sky Harbor has achieved and maintained a Level 2 status with the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program. In 2020, however, Phoenix Sky Harbor has taken its sustainability efforts one step further and has achieved Level 3 Accreditation. Phoenix Sky Harbor is among an elite group of airports to attain this level as there are only seven airport systems in the US and 17 airports overall in North America who have reached this level or above.</p>
<p>"Attaining Level 3 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program is a remarkable achievement," said Director of Aviation Services James E. Bennett. “Our commitment to sustainability is strong with numerous initiatives underway, all while we continue to deliver world-class service to our customers each day."</p>
<p>The Airport Carbon Accreditation Program is a voluntary initiative for airports that want to demonstrate their commitment to reduce global warming and climate change. It serves as an international carbon management certification standard for airports and requires participating airports to create a carbon footprint of emissions so that they can see where the greatest reductions can be made and monitor progress.</p>
<p>More than 90% of Phoenix Sky Harbor's carbon footprint is from the purchase of electricity. Phoenix Sky Harbor has had solar panels at its Rental Car Center and East Economy Parking areas since 2012, but it recently installed a third solar system at the City of Phoenix Aviation Department's Corporate Office Building. Additionally, the Airport enacted energy reduction measures such as using LED lighting. LED lighting conversions have taken place at Terminal 4, in the Terminal 4 Garage, in the East Economy Garage, and on the airfield. As a result, of conservation measures, there has been a 17% reduction in energy used.</p>
<p>Reporting in 2020 for calendar year 2019, Phoenix Sky Harbor certified at Level 3 Optimization. This means that the airport had a year-to-year reduction in airport-owned and operational emissions associated with terminal electricity and fleet vehicles among others, but also required the Airport to calculate user and tenant activities. The report includes carbon emissions associated with all activities at the airport such as estimating aircraft emissions, emissions from vehicles coming to the airport, tenant electricity, and more. With this information, the Airport will develop a plan with stakeholders so that they can be engaged in working together to reduce emissions.</p>
<p>Other sustainability initiatives include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Upgrading HVAC cooling systems with more energy-efficient technology.</li>
<li>Decreasing energy used in buildings and on the airfield. Since 2009, the goal of a 20% reduction is almost achieved.</li>
<li>The Airport's 40% waste diversion goal has been achieved.</li>
<li>Transitioning to 100% xeriscape which resulted in the savings of more than 5 million gallons of water each year.</li>
<li>Installing a new Terminal 4 Cooling Tower Soft Water Pre-Treatment system prolongs the life of the equipment and saves more than 22 million gallons of water annually.</li>
<li>Creating a Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) silver building featuring new, energy, efficient equipment as part of the Terminal 3 Modernization Program.</li>
</ul>
<p>A full report on Phoenix Sky Harbor's numerous sustainability initiatives is available at <a href="https://www.skyharbor.com/about/Sustainability" target="_blank">https://www.skyharbor.com/about/Sustainability</a> For more information on the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, visit <a href="http://www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org/" target="_blank">http://www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org/</a>.</p>
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<p style="text-align:left;">Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America's Friendliest Airport®, has an annual economic impact of more than $38 billion. Every day approximately 1,200 aircraft and more than 125,000 passengers arrive and depart at Sky Harbor. PHX Sky Harbor is funded with Airport revenue. No tax dollars are used to support the Airport.</p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/oep | News | environmental-programs |
