Santa Monica launches ‘Solar Santa Monica’

On 17 January, Santa Monica (U.S.A.) launched Solar Santa Monica, a city initiative to become energy efficient and energy independent by 2020.

The voluntary program will start by helping residents save energy through energy efficiency upgrades, specifically through reliable solar systems. The long-range plan is to improve every single building in Santa Monica, and put solar panels on 17, 500 roofs.

Part of the Campaign includes selecting 50 residential and commercial demonstration sites where the owners are willing to serve as Champions of their community. Residents and businesses are directed to specific pages on the city of Santa Monica website where they can complete an application form, and learn more about the program.

In launching this campaign, Mayor Richard Bloom said, “Residents and businesses say they want action on energy issues. They want to feel good about where they get their energy. They want some protection against energy prices continuing to go up. Solar Santa Monica is a response to what they are asking for.”

Solar is one form of renewable energy, also called ‘green energy’ as these sources emit no or low air emissions. For more information on how reducing energy use can help local governments achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, please visit www.iclei.org/ccp.

Santa Monica is one of 67 local governments in the U.S.A. that are currently Members of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. For more information on ICLEI and its activities in the U.S.A., please visit the U.S.A. Office at www.iclei.org/usa.

Source: EcoMotion Network News, 26 January 2007 and Solar Santa Monica at santa-monica.org/epd/news/pdf/SSM.pdf.