By Stamford Mayor Dannel P. Malloy
April 2, 2007

The recently released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report underscores the serious nature of the threat of global warming, as well as the imperative for immediate action. The report provides some of the most powerful scientific evidence to date of the extent of human caused global warming. As the science behind global warming becomes clearer, the need for practical solutions is more important than ever. No matter how dire the predictions, we know how to solve the problem and Stamford is leading the way in implementing solutions.

Stamford and other cities across the country have pioneered sensible climate protection solutions in the U.S. with remarkable results. More than 350 of my fellow mayors and I have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. By doing so we have committed our cities to meet the Kyoto Protocol target of a seven percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over 1990 levels by 2012. In fact, Stamford has already reduced emissions that contribute to global warming by 20 percent and taken action that saves the City more than $1.1 million in energy costs.

Stamford began working on energy efficiency measures in 1998 through a Rebuild America grant for an Energy Engineer. The following is a list of some of the actions the city has taken to address energy efficiency:

• Stamford is one of few cities across the country with a dedicated position within the Engineering Bureau that is responsible for energy, fuel efficiency, and emissions reductions.

• In August of 2002, the Stamford Public Schools worked with our Engineering Bureau to implement energy conservation measures in all of our 20 public school buildings.

• To date, the city has reduced emissions by over 5,000 tons of equivalent carbon dioxide, and received $1,908,867 in incentives and grants through Connecticut Light & Power.

• The city made a natural progression towards clean energy with the installation of 48 solar powered path lights in one of our local parks in 2002, and 66 solar panels on the roof of our Recycling Center in 2004.

• During 2003 and 2004, the city completed a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and a Local Action Plan.

• In March of 2005, our legislative board approved a resolution to join the 20 percent by 2010 Campaign. This resolution commits the city to have 20 percent of its energy supply come from clean, renewable energy sources by 2010, and to create a Clean Energy Task Force to define a strategy to meet the goal.

• In October 2005, Clean Air-Cool Planet worked with the City on a High Performance Development conference, which gathered key developers, property managers, architects, planners, municipal decision makers, and investors to build awareness and interest in “green” development.

• The recent approval of two $1 million Clean Renewable Energy Bonds will provide the financial support to install two major solar systems – one on the roof of one of our middle schools, and the other on the roof of our Highway Department. Both installations are planned for the spring of 2008.

Stamford has worked hard to do our part to establish a healthier community. We have positioned ourselves as an environmental leader and we continue to strive to meet all the goals outlined in our Local Action Plan. Since we all breathe the same air, and since we bear the responsibility for preserving our precious resources, it is our hope that by sharing tried and true techniques we can help bolster the efforts of other communities throughout the country in their environmental initiatives.

For further information, contact Beverly A. Aveni, the Mayor’s Executive Aide, by e-mail: baveni@ci.stamford.ct.us or by telephone: 203-977-4150.