Abington Township becomes LEED Certified City
LEED for Cities certification advances healthy, green and economically strong cities and communities
Abington, PA-Abington Township has become one of the seventy-five STAR certified cities and counties in the United States and second in Pennsylvania to join the family of LEED for Cities and Communities. LEED for Cities is a program from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that advances healthy, green and economically strong cities and communities.
“We are helping cities and counties develop responsible, sustainable and specific plans for energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors that contribute to raising the standard of living for all people around the world,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president & CEO, USGBC. “Abington Township is to be congratulated for its commitment to ensuring a place where people, nature and businesses can all thrive.”
“Abington Township will reach an even higher level of leadership where they will be able to benchmark their current performance, home in on targeted metrics to achieve continuous improvement, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, human health and economic prosperity,” added Ramanujam. Commissioner Drew Rothman, Chair of the Township Board of Commissioners Public Works Committee, added that “Sustainability is ever-present and on our minds as a critical component when considering the present and future well-being of those who reside in Abington Township; especially as we plan for improvements to our parks and storm water systems. I am proud that we have obtained this certification.”
In 2016, Abington Township under the leadership of the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) received a 3 STAR Communities certification. This certification evaluates local government on economic, environmental and social factor to measure sustainability and quality of life. STAR Communities integration with the U.S. Green Building Council will enable the Township to forward its goals of sustainability and remain a leader in the region.
The LEED program helps cities and communities benchmark current performance, track performance metrics, communicate continuous improvement, educate residents, visitors and business owners to demonstrate commitment to sustainability, human health and economic prosperity. Since designation in 2016 as a STAR Community, Abington Township has continued to forward its sustainability initiatives including a commitment to buy 100% green energy beginning in December 2018.
