Columbia Association Recognized As Inaugural Partner in the Better Climate Challenge
Posted: April 13, 2022 in Other News
Columbia Association
COLUMBIA, MD – Columbia Association (CA) has officially joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% within 10 years.
CA was recognized as an inaugural partner during a webinar with Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy. CA joins other challenge participants, including major healthcare systems, universities and corporations across the country, in a commitment to work toward a low-carbon future.
“CA has always been and will continue to be dedicated to the protection of our environment,” Community Operations Vice President Dennis Mattey said. “Particularly with our investment in and ongoing maintenance of our community’s open space, this partnership with like-minded organizations across the country truly demonstrates the importance of this kind of intentional work. We look forward to learning and leading in this space moving forward.”
“It is truly an honor to join this national effort that recognizes the real challenges climate change presents and the opportunities CA and others have to mitigate the negative impact,” Director of Energy Jeremy Scharfenberg said. “We cannot wait to act, and this partnership gives us all a sense of accountability and ownership that our team hopes spreads throughout our entire community.”
Committed to a low-carbon future
The Better Climate Challenge was born out of the urgent need to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This mission aligns with CA’s role as an environmental steward — and more specifically, our goal to be a leader in taking measurable steps to address climate change.
Over the next decade, CA is aiming to reduce GHG emissions by 50% and decrease our energy use intensity by 30%.
In addition to the Better Climate Challenge, CA has also participated in the DOE’s Better Buildings Challenge. We achieved our energy reduction goal of 20% in 2018, and look forward to tackling the next challenge to help protect the environment.
We’re already making steps toward achieving our sustainability goals, which includes:
- Installing LED lighting throughout CA facilities and open space;
- Installing high efficiency ENERGY STAR HVAC units, condensing boilers and more;
- Taking proactive steps to electrify space and water heating systems;
- Deploying on-site solar photovoltaic systems;
- Providing more than 1,000 soil test results to residents free of charge;
- Funding 433 rain gardens throughout the community;
- Operating 4 aqua mowers that remove vegetation from lakes without harmful chemicals;
- Hosting community tree plantings;
- Providing materials Columbia Cleans Day;
- Promoting a solar cooperative in the community to increase clean energy practices.
Click here to learn more about the Better Climate Challenge.
