Miami-Dade County achieves "Gold" Green Government Certification by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC)

Miami-Dade achieves highest score of any local government in the State of Florida to date

(MIAMI, November 26, 2012) – After demonstrating sustainability through our policies and programs, Miami-Dade County has achieved the Florida Green Building Coalitions (FGBC) Green Local Government Designation. With an outstanding score of 57 percent, Miami-Dade earned a GOLD rating and achieved the highest score of any local government in the State of Florida to date. Since the FGBC Green Local Government Certification program was launched, 25 Florida municipalities have achieved certification, with 27 others registered and in the process.

“Achieving Gold Certification, along with GreenPrint and other sustainability efforts, demonstrates Miami-Dade County’s serious commitment to operating more efficiently and protecting our environment and our citizens,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. “I congratulate all County employees who helped achieve this great accomplishment, which ultimately assists the County in operating more effectively.”
                                                                                
In addition to achieving points for County operations, points were awarded for green practices implemented by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Highlights of the comprehensive Miami-Dade application include, but are not limited to (complete list available at FGBC website):

• Participation in Clean Marinas Program
• Residential and Commercial Energy Rebate Programs
• Create or promote a green business certification program
• Encourage mixed-use zoning and development
• Implement carpool or express bus lanes
• Offer incentives for construction of green affordable and location efficient housing
• Monitor/track local government energy use and develop an energy reduction plan
• Participate in Cities for Climate Protection Campaign
• Adopt green standards as the official minimum criteria for new and renovated government buildings
• Police trained in crime prevention through environmental design
• Review training operations with fire departments and conserve water where appropriate
• Utilize integrated pest management
• Develop a solid/hazardous waste reduction plan
• Maintain a recycling program
• Enact green landscaping ordinance for local government buildings
• Create an education campaign for water use reduction measures, such as Florida Friendly Landscaping and rainwater harvesting
• Offer free and discounted green products to the public, including rebates for installation of low flow fixtures
• Enact new construction plumbing standards that are more stringent than EPAct 1992 referencing Water Sense
• New employee orientation includes county commitment to the environment
• Involve students in green projects within the school
• Construct and renovate green schools
• Monitor and track school district energy use

The FGBC Green Local Government Certification designates green cities and green counties for outstanding environmental stewardship. It’s the only program of its type in Florida and is endorsed by the Florida Legislature, the Florida League of Cities and the Florida League of Mayors. Certified green city or county governments will not only gain recognition and publicity, but will also function in a more efficient manner through better internal communication, cost reductions, and effective risk and asset management. 

The certification standards organizes criteria in terms of individual department functions, and focuses on improving their environmental performance through a number of mediums such as energy, water, air, land and waste. In December 2010, the Office of Sustainability (OOS) reviewed the standards against the implemented green practices that the County had already undertaken, both in policy implementation and efficiencies. Based on existing policies and continued commitment to resource protection in our operations, OOS believed the County to be in a great position to receive this designation. Lead by OOS, numerous County departments provided substantial information towards the completion of the comprehensive application.

FGBC will acknowledge Miami-Dade County’s accomplishment and present its certification at the December 4, 2012 Board of County Commissioners meeting, Stephen P. Clark Government Center, 111 NW 1st Street, at 9:30 am.

For more information, visit http://green.miamidade.gov or call 305-375-3008.