City officials have launched Philadelphia 2030 District in a move to combat climate change through reductions in energy and water use, and cuts in transportation emissions.

The launch of the 2030 District brings together Philadelphia utility and energy service companies, community organizations, and property owners and managers in a pledge a 50% reduction in energy and water use and transportation emissions by the year 2030. The Delaware Valley Green Building Council is leading the initiative.

Investing in the 2030 District creates an opportunity for members and partners to reduce the region’s climate impact. This initiative will also serve as a catalyst to implement best practices for building sustainability. Currently, the city’s building sector produces 60% of Philadelphia’s carbon emissions, which impact climate change, and the average building wastes 30% of its energy.

With this launch, Philadelphia will join more than 17 cities that are part of the 2030 District Network. Each year, the DVGBC will release an annual progress report to see if companies and organizations are meeting their pledged goals.

According to philly.curbed.com, the commitment of private organizations and companies to energy reduction is the latest in a series of recent city efforts to combat climate change. Last month, the city released its own Philadelphia Municipal Energy Master Plan, a multi-step roadmap to reduce energy use and clean the city’s energy supply. It also has a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the city’s buildings in half by 2030.

San Diego 2030 District

In January, San Diego officials announced that it will join the 2030 District and cut energy use, water use and emissions in half by 2030. the San Diego 2030 District initiative will be managed by Cleantech San Diego. Other participants include the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inuit, DNV GL, Verdani Partners and Measurabl. San Diego already has laws in place mandating the halving of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.

Vendors mentioned in this article:

• Delaware Valley Green Building Council
• Cleantech San Diego
• San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Alexandria Real Estate Equities
• Inuit
• DNV GL
• Verdani Partners
• Measurabl