Council Scoops Green Ribbon Award

Wellington City Council's 2010 Climate Change Action Plan took home a top prize at last night's Ministry for the Environment Green Ribbon Awards.

The Green Ribbon Awards, established in 1989 by then Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer, recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals, organisations, businesses and communities for protecting and enhancing New Zealand's environment.

Mayor Wade-Brown was thrilled to accept the award on behalf of the Council. "It is wonderful to see the work of our Climate Change team - and all our committed Council staff - recognised nationally." The Council won under the 'Reducing our Greenhouse Gas Emissions' category.

"We are working hard to achieve the ambitious targets of our Climate Change Action Plan - through a mix of mitigation and adaptation projects across the city. As a coastal capital we need to address and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate.  We will continue to make the most of our strengths - our compact form, potential for renewable energy and strong business connections to keep our economy strong and position Wellington as a Clean Green Capital - a city prepared for economic success in the 21st century. Our electric vehicle pilot project has been very successful; we have made many of the Council's operations more efficient, made homes warmer and drier, replanted reserves and have reduced our emissions by 25% between 2003 and 2009.  It is a great start and we will continue to build on this momentum," Mayor Wade-Brown commented.

The Council's Principal Climate Change Advisor, Chris Cameron, agrees - "We have established a fantastic platform on which to achieve more over the next few years. Council's focus will be on working hard on the things we can do right now, balanced with looking to the future and achieving more of our long-term goals."