City of Alexandria Receives Highest Certification for Virginia Municipal League’s Go Green Government Challenge

On Tuesday, October 15, the City of Alexandria was recognized by the Virginia Municipal League (VML) with platinum-level certification for being a green and sustainable government. The Go Green Government Challenge, a VML initiative, encourages local governments to implement specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce carbon emissions generated by both the local government and the broader community. 

VML’s platinum-level certification, the highest level for local governments, is awarded to those scoring more than 175 out of 200 possible points. This is the sixth consecutive year that VML has recognized the City at this highest level as part of the Go Green Government Challenge Program.  

The City was given maximum innovation points for 1) its efforts in permanently closing the local coal-fired power plant, 2) achieving the highest-ever solid waste recycling rate of 48.4%, 3) establishing a Capital Bikeshare program in Alexandria and installing eight stations in Old Town, 4) purchasing new hybrid DASH buses and trolleys, 5) installing a 42-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system at Beatley Central Library, and 6) retrofitting traffic lights with LED technology.   

For more information regarding the City's Office of Environmental Quality, visit  alexandriava.gov/Environment or the City’s Eco-City Alexandria initiative, visit  alexandriava.gov/Eco-City.  

For more information on the City’s VML Award, contact Kathleen Leonard, Communications Officer, at  Kathleen.Leonard@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4027.