Green Ribbon Task Force

Care About Concord and Think Green!

 

Background

The City of Concord Green Ribbon Task Force was formed in the Spring of 2007 to facilitate the development of guiding principles that to improve Concord’s environment by decreasing the city’s production of greenhouse gasses, lowering the city’s energy usage, and reducing the city’s overall environmental footprint while acknowledging the City’s commitment to fiscal integrity and economic development.

The Green Ribbon Task force was created by Mayor Mark Peterson as one of three city-wide initiatives for 2007. The work of the Task Force is modeled after the Cool Mayors for Climate Protection nation-wide initiative. Cool Mayors for Climate Protection has been joined by 500 Mayors in 50 States leading 66 million Americans to take action on reducing global warming. Cool Mayors for climate protection is sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Task Force Members

Concord’s Green Ribbon Task Force included elected officials, representatives from the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, small business, higher education, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, corporations, solid waste and recycling companies, home builders, public utilities, residents and City staff. List of members.

Green Implementation

Concord has implemented, and continues to implement environmentally-friendly practices recommended by the Green Ribbon Task Force.

  • The Civic Center incorporates many environmental designs. Generous overhangs provide shade and the minimally landscaped central courtyard with attractive flower containers requires minimum watering. Water from the fountain surrounding the Council Chamber is recirculated and used in the building’s cooling system.  
  • Concord has audited energy consumption on its major facilities and is working through the Association of Bay Area Governments to evaluate energy-efficient lighting upgrades.  
  • The city has taken delivery of its first all-electric utility vehicle, which replaced a gas-powered vehicle.
  • During the holidays, the City gave away 500 strings of holiday LED lights to residents who brought in a string of traditional lights for exchange.
  • Concord’s Civic Center received a Bay Area Green Business Award.  The City’s Fleet Management Program, Parks Division and Printing Services Division have all received a Bay Area Green Business Award.
  • The City’s litter-reduction program, which includes public education, partnering with neighborhood associations and putting additional receptacles in litter-prone areas, received a 2007 Distinguished Project Award from the Northern California Chapter of the American public Works Association.
  • For many years the city has sponsored annual creek clean up days.
  • Concord encourages employees and residents to participate in Bike to Work Day.
  • Concord actively participates in efforts to reduce air pollution on Spare the Air days.