2014 Alabama Green Progress Report

P R E S E N T E D BY T H E G R E E N R E S O U R C E C E N T E R F O R A L A B A M A P R I N T E D O N R E CYC L E D PA P E R

2014 ALABAMA GREEN PROGRESS REPORTP R E S E N T E D BY T H E G R E E N R E S O U R C E C E N T E R F O R A L A B A M A

The annual Alabama Green Progress Report, compiled by the Green Resource

Center for Alabama (GRCA), features the many projects and initiatives that help

our state become a greener, more sustainable place to live, work, and play. The

report aims to serve future generations with a collective testimony of the many ways

Alabama has worked to attain sustainable progress. The following pages highlight

some of the most notable progress in 2014.

A CELEBRATION OF THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell visited Alabama to tour two local parks to celebrate the fund’s importance in creating parks across the United States. The Alabama visit focused on how the Fund impacts cities and townships alike in creating parks, playgrounds, trails and opportunities for anglers and sportsmen. Since 1965, the LWCF has funded the creation of more than 42,000 state and local parks, playgrounds, urban wildlife refuges, greenways, trails and open spaces.

SOUTHERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE COMPLETES STATE’S FIRST SOLAR RESEARCH FACILITYSouthern Research Institute, in conjunction with the Electric Power Research Institute and Southern Company, including its subsidiary Alabama Power, commissioned and completed Alabama’s first solar research center. Located in Birmingham, The new Southeastern Solar Research Center (SSRC) includes multiple configurations of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel arrays, microinverters, and an advanced energy-monitoring system. This system includes trackers that follow the sun throughout the day as well as southwest-facing solar PV systems to evaluate the utilization of afternoon sun, when electricity use is generally higher. In addition, the SSRC includes accelerated aging testing capabilities to simulate multi-year life and performance of PV systems.

BIRMINGHAM EARNS SMARTER CITIES CHALLENGE GRANT In 2014, Birmingham became one of 16 cities worldwide, and one of four in the U.S., to be awarded an IBM Smarter Cities Challenge grant. The Smarter Cities Challenge grant contributes the skills and expertise of IBM’s top talent to help cities address critical issues. The IBM Smarter Cities team will work closely with city leaders and the UAB Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center (SSCRC) to develop strategies to reverse a range of existing problems. During the past three years, 100 cities have been selected to receive grants, with contributions valued at more than $50 million. The concept behind smart cities is to identify specific standards that impact quality of life in a city including economy, mobility, environment, energy, technology, and government. Highly dependent upon public and private cooperation, smart cities place significant value on well-designed infrastructure and sustainable progress.

TOP 2014 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

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S E CR E TAR Y OF T H E I N T E R I OR S ALLY J E WE LL AN D B I R M I N G H AM M AYOR WI LLI AM B E LL CE LE B R AT E T H E LWCF ’S CR E AT I ON OF US PAR KS. | | C R E D I T: M Y G R E E N B I R M I N G H A M

TOP 2014 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 5

LAND CONSERVATION & PRESERVATION PAG ES 6 -7

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PAG ES 8 -9

ENERGY EFFICIENCY PAGE 10

TRANSPORTATION PAG ES 11

RECYCLING & CLEANUPS PAGE 12-13

PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION PAGES 14- 15

BUILDING & DESIGN PAGES 16- 17

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY PAGES 18- 19

SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS & INITIATIVES PAGES 20- 22

2014 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES PAGES 24- 27

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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NEW FLOWS ON SECTION OF COOSA RIVER

River flows have been returned to a 20-mile section of the Coosa River near Weiss Dam as part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) hydro relicensing process with Alabama Power and river stakeholders. This flow will provide the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources the unique opportunity to reintroduce many native fishes and mollusk species back into historically occupied areas. As a result, these reintroductions will allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work toward species’ recovery and eventually remove certain species from the Endangered Species List.

BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS’ CENTENNIAL TREE PROJECT

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens has grown more than 1500 locally-sourced native seedlings and saplings for planting on public property between 2009 and 2014. Successful plantings have been done each fall in partnership with members, volunteers, friends and employees of the Little and Red Mountain Gardens Clubs; George Ward, Avondale, Red Mountain and Vulcan Parks; the Jefferson County Stormwater Management Department; the Cahaba River Society; the North Smithfield Manor and Greenleaf Heights communities and the cities of Birmingham and Homewood. Seeds have been collected each fall from carefully selected trees, many of which are not commercially available, but represent the majority of tree species growing naturally in the area of Shades and Red Mountains. A thousand new trees will be available for planting in both 2015 and 2016.

LAND CONSERVATION & PRESERVATION

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STUDENTS & FRESHWATER LAND TRUST PARTNER TO RESTORE COALBURG SITE Students from the University of Alabama partnered with the Freshwater Land Trust to help return the Coalburg Experimental Forest, a former mine site, to a mixed hardwood forest. In an effort to return the forest ecosystem to its prior state, they created a restoration plan to increase native forest biodiversity, restore critical ecosystem functions such as carbon storage, and promote a forest that may be more resilient to future perturbations. The Freshwater Land Trust plans to use the Coalburg Experimental Forest as an outdoor classroom with trails and interpretive signs so members of the community can learn about forest restoration and observe the process firsthand. The students contributed a total of 588 service hours to the project.

LAND TRUST/NATURE CONSERVANCY COMBINE RESOURCES TO MAINTAIN TRAILS The Land Trust of North Alabama and The Nature Conservancy in Alabama have established a partnership that combines resources to help manage and maintain trails on The Nature Conservancy’s Roy B. Whitaker Preserve and Keel Mountain Preserve. The Whitaker Preserve is 323 acres of actively restored floodplain forests and grasslands and is a favorite spot on the North Alabama Birding Trail. The 310 acre Keel Mountain Preserve and the Land Trust’s Monte Sano Nature Preserve help protect endangered

Morefield’s Leather Flower, and both are favorite hiker destinations. The Land Trust will develop and improve existing trails, hold trail care work events, and will sponsor several guided hikes.

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FOUNDATION DONATES TO CONSERVATION DEPARTMENTThe Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division received a check for $25,627 from the Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (ACNWTF) to purchase 14.6 acres of wildlife habitat at Barbour Wildlife Management Area. Funds will be utilized as a match when purchasing additional lands with state and federal funds at Barbour WMA. The three-to-one match means ACNWTF can utilize approximately $77,000 additional dollars of federal money on a future land purchase, in lieu of state dollars.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY ACQUIRES 1,419 ACRES IN THE TALLADEGA NATIONAL FOREST

The Nature Conservancy acquired 1,419 acres in the Talladega National Forest to help preserve Alabama’s longleaf pine habitat and the red-cockaded woodpeckers. The purchase was a complex transaction, taking years to complete; however, this victory underscores the collaborative multi-agency effort to conserve precious land in the state. The conservancy will partner with the U.S. Forest Service to expand the longleaf pine habitat restoration, where the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker makes its habitat.

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BIRMINGHAM AUDUBON URBAN HABITAT INITIATIVEThe Birmingham Audubon Urban Bird Habitat Initiative includes projects located within publicly accessible spaces to restore, protect or demonstrate habitat critical to birds. The active projects include Avondale Park Rose & Habitat Garden, East Lake Park Heron Habitat, and Limestone Park Prairie in Alabaster. An interpretive sign identifying birds by season and location will soon be placed in Railroad Park. A prairie garden has been completed on the terrace of the Birmingham Museum of Art, and a chimney swift tower is being designed for installation on the roof of McWane Science Center. The initiative is funded through individual and community support and through the sales of “Birdingham” t-shirts introduced in 2013.

WEEKS BAY REEF ENHANCEMENT

Near the mouth of Weeks Bay, the Alabama Marine Resources Division (AMRD) completed a habitat enhancement project to bring an old oyster reef back to life. To do this, the AMRD planted 1,034 cubic yards of oyster shell. The planted oyster shell will provide a habitat for many marine creatures such as finfish, crabs, and oysters. Coastal Impact Assistance Program funds were used to create this reef.


C R E D I T: B I R M I N G H A M AU D U B O N S O C I E T Y

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GIWP FOREST INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICESThe Green Industry Web Portal (GIWP) support Alabama’s forest industry by providing related certifications to an estimated 400 agriculture teachers, 40,000 students, and industry members around the state. Certification programs are offered at no cost and focus on methods for best sustainable management practices for maintaining a strong forest industry. In the last year, the GIWP has continued efforts to certify individuals by offering three-day long classes centered on Urban Forestry and Landscape Management. The GIWP has partnered with Auburn University at Montgomery, the Alabama State Department of Education, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and hundreds of industry leaders, associations, and foundations around the state. A Forestry Worker Certification Program is set to launch in the summer of 2015.

EPA AWARDS ALABAMA CLEAN WATER PARTNERSHIP $171,436 GRANT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Alabama Clean Water Partnership with a $171,436 environmental education model grant for their Eco-Action-Waters to the Sea project proposal. The proposal intends to use computer kiosks featuring highly interactive modules to introduce a watershed–based perspective that connects upstream land uses with their impacts on downstream and coastal environments throughout Alabama’s Mobile Bay watershed. Users learn about the common causes of nonpoint source pollution (NPS) and their relative impacts on coastal environments. The modules introduce strategies for reducing NPS pollution and encourages users to adopt them.

SUSTAINABLE NATURAL FERTILIZER INITIATIVE EXTENDS UAH GARDEN PROJECTS

UAH Community Garden received funding for its new Sustainable Natural Fertilizer Initiative, a solar power and rainwater fueled composting system that allows students to brew their own compost tea for use as garden fertilizer. Chargers for Sustainability, which oversees the university’s Green Fund program, awarded funding for the project in which a facility will be built to be used to generate compost, compost tea, and worm castings. An all-natural alternative to commercial fertilizers, compost tea is safer for the environment and yields healthier, more productive plants. The initiative will include a 25-foot extension of the existing garden shelter complete with a rainwater collection system and solar panels, in addition to compost bins, tumblers, air pumps, and more.

BROWN BAG LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES

For its third year, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens worked in partnership with the Jefferson County Storm Water Department to host a series of free informational seminars called The Brown Bag Series. The seminars are in direct correlation with the Gardens’ four strategic plan objectives: Sustainability, Partnerships, Education, and Community Engagement. Local instructors from various organizations were selected to lead discussions on each topic. The topics, intended to be of practical application to homeowners, included discussions about stormwater, sustainable low impact landscape designs, recycled material in the home landscape, and more. The 2014 series attracted more than 275 participants.

UAH BECOMES A TREE CAMPUS USA

UAH has earned certification as a Tree Campus USA for 2014. The UAH Chargers for Sustainability group will lead related initiatives including refining tree management policies, fostering student engagement through a volunteer tree care program, and increasing annual pollution removal through the addition of 200 trees.

STUDENTS TO STEWARDS

The Alabama Power Foundation’s new “Students to Stewards” program awarded more than $40,000 in conservation education grants to 25 different schools and nonprofit organizations across the state. Recipients will use the grant money to fund a range of projects from creating outdoor classrooms, to field studies, to the purchase of conservation-related classroom materials. The program is aimed at expanding education initiatives to build awareness and appreciation for Alabama’s natural resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION


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2015 LEGACY GRANT RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education, announced grant recipients for 2015. Legacy grants are designed to reflect a collaborative effort between the community and the applying organization or school to educate area students and citizens about environmentally related issues.

These grants are open to both public and private groups and organizations within the state of Alabama. The following organizations will receive Legacy funding in 2015:

• SISTAHS - Environmentally Fit, Environmentally Sound

• Alabama Water Watch Association - Keeping the Pipeline Full

• Weeks Bay Foundation -11th Annual Ala. Coastal BirdFest

• Southern Environmental Center - Experiential Learning through Library EcoScapes

• Morgan County EE Foundation - Wetland Explorers

• Calhoun County Master Gardeners - Legacy Wildlife Room

• Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama - Taking Leadership to the Outdoors

• Druid City Garden Project School - Gardens for Tuscaloosa

• Common Ground Montgomery - Seeds of Hope Garden

• Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers, etc. - Tree Canopy Learning

• Ocean Camp - Now You See It; Now You Don’t

• Spanish Fort High School - Wonders of Water

• Environmental Studies Center - Exploring the Outdoors with Aldo Leopold

C R E D I T: CA H A B A R I V E R S O C I E T Y

CONNECTING URBAN YOUTH WITH OUTDOOR WATER ACTIVITIESThe Cahaba River Society expanded its CLEAN program (Children Linking with the Environment Across the Nation) to serve more urban and disadvantaged youth by bringing on board new leadership to help further efforts. CLEAN is an innovative program offering students hands-on environmental education activities while safely participating in a canoe trip or stream walk in the Cahaba River watershed. CLEAN also formed a new partnership with the Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) program, which strengthens the academics of disadvantaged youth during the summer to hinder learning loss.

BIRMINGHAM ZOO SOLAR DISPLAY

The Birmingham Zoo and partners celebrated the installation of 280 solar panels, 150 feet long and 32 feet wide, on top of the pergola of the Junior League of Birmingham’s Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo. As part of the project, Alabama Power installed an educational kiosk where zoo visitors can track how much energy the system is producing and view information about other Alabama Power renewable research projects around the state. The system of solar panels was gifted to the zoo by Kansas-based Buffalo Dunes Wind Project, LLC, and Oklahoma-based Chisholm View Wind Project, LLC. Alabama Power owns the rights to the energy generated and associated renewable energy certificates from the 56 kilowatt (AC) solar system and will monitor the system to study its efficiency in real-world conditions. As part of the program, the Birmingham Zoo also receives renewable energy certificates.

C R E D I T: A L A B A M A P O W E R

GULF COAST BAY BUDDY PROGRAM

The Alabama Coastal Foundation’s Gulf Coast Bay Buddy program became available online so that more students, teachers and parents would be able to learn from its presentation and access additional related resources. The Gulf Coast Bay Buddy program teaches about coastal conservation while covering Alabama grade-specific learning objectives. The free 45-minute interactive presentation features coastal animals to help teach the importance of basic conservation principles related to water and energy conservation, recycling, and litter control.

UAB & UAH JOIN ASSOCIATION FOR ADVANCEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY IN HIGHER ED

The University of Alabama (UAB) and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) became members of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Through membership in AASHE, both UAB and UAH will receive support to help further campus efforts in meeting sustainability goals by providing specialized resources, professional development, and a network of peer support.

UAB REDUCES FOOD WASTE WITH LEANPATH TOOL

UAB introduced LeanPath, a new system used to measure and track food waste. LeanPath generates reports to help Campus Restaurants know which areas are causing the most pre-consumer waste. Any and all pre-consumer waste including leftovers, overproduction, trimmings, etc., is weighed and documented. Detailed information is then sent to Campus Restaurants to be analyzed. Benefits to reducing on-campus food waste include lowered costs of disposal through reduced weight and frequency of dumpster or compactor pickups. UAB is one of 50 colleges and universities in the United States to implement this tool.

NATUREPLEX GROUND BREAKING

The Alabama Wildlife Federation broke ground on NaturePlex, the new official welcome and education center slated to open in fall 2015 at the Alabama Nature Center at Lanark in Millbrook. The 23,000-square-foot, $5.5 million facility will include a 100-seat theater/auditorium equipped with latest technology, a discovery hall with interactive nature displays, classrooms with a lab facility that will accommodate 60 students, gift shop and offices for Alabama Nature Center staff.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY REDSTONE ARSENAL

TO BE HOME TO THE LARGEST SOLAR POWER ARRAY IN ALABAMA

The Huntsville Corps of Engineers office accepted proposals from a range of contract companies for what could become the largest renewable energy project in Alabama. Redstone Arsenal will have the first in a series of large solar projects to result from the Army’s $7 billion Multiple Award Task Order Contract. At an estimated 10 to 14 megawatts in size, the array could have as many as 50,000 solar panels. The Corps of Engineers expects to announce the winner by spring of 2015 with contract award to be before the end of 2015.

NEW CHILLER PLANT AT PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL IN MOBILE REDUCES ENERGY COSTS After construction of a new chiller plant was completed in July at Mobile’s Providence Hospital, overall monthly utility costs have been reduced by as much as 20%. The new plant is just one of many recent upgrades to the 349-bed hospital to increase energy efficiency. Other installments include improvements to its generator and a shift to LED lighting.

AUBURN ARENA IMPROVES EFFICIENCYAuburn University Athletics, in partnership with the Utilities & Energy Department, continued to work on a retro-commissioning project on Auburn Arena. Despite having only been built four years ago, the Arena still had opportunities to improve efficiency. Through operational changes to the air handling units, heat exchangers, and building controls, the Arena has been able to improve energy performance resulting in $123,000 in energy savings and the avoidance of 2,014 metric tons of CO2 equivalent gases on an annual basis.

ALABAMA’S FIRST ACCELERATOR FOR HIGH-GROWTH STARTUPS ANNOUNCEDAlabama’s first accelerator for high-growth startups specializing in clean technologies and services was unveiled by Rocket Hatch, the Alabama Center for Sustainable Energy (ALCSE), Fortnum Capital and Cleantech Open and will be held in the Summer of 2015 in Huntsville. The accelerator will offer startup businesses the opportunity to examine their assumptions and turn business ideas into action. The unveiling occurred at Rocket Hatch’s signature event “Will This Fly” before an audience of more than 200 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and innovators from across the Southeast.

COMFORT PROJECT BRINGS AFFORDABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS TO THOSE IN NEEDThe Comfort Project is a partnership program that brings affordable energy efficiency solutions to those most in need in the Huntsville area. Nexus Energy Center partnered with other organizations including Cornerstone Initiative, TARCOG, and CASA to create the Comfort Project. All involved are committed to helping residents in local neighborhoods. The program has served eleven homes, all in desperate need of energy efficiency upgrades. Eight additional homes are set to receive upgrades at the start of 2015. Nexus and its partners raised funds for the Comfort Project to install energy efficiency measures on each home and educate the homeowner about ways to keep utility costs down.

• $16,846 to Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc.

• $33,865 to Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission

• $24,956 to Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa

• $67,199 to Community Action Agency of Central Alabama

• $25,094 to Community Action of Etowah County

• $50,743 to Community Action Partnership of Huntsville-Madison and Limestone Counties

• $118,206 to Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity

• $92,732 to Mobile Community Action Inc.

• $50,466 to Montgomery County Commission

• $67,469 to Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc.

• $67,556 to Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc.

• $33,709 to Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc.

• $100,186 to Organized Community Action Program Inc.

• $67,032 to Community Action Agency of South Alabama

• $58,716 to Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun and Cleburne

• $75,225 to Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc.

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AWARDS $950,000 TO ALABAMA The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $950,000 to the state of Alabama to assist low-income, disabled, and elderly residents with upgrading their homes to be more energy-efficient. The money will support the state’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which works to repair or upgrade homes for energy efficiency and safety. The following 16 community agencies will receive funding:

TRANSPORTATION

BIRMINGHAM RECEIVES $125,000 FEDERAL GRANT TO STUDY IMPACTS OF 1-20/59 DOWNTOWN BRIDGES The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the city $125,000 to examine transportation and development barriers along the Interstate 20/59 corridor downtown. The grant comes from the federal government’s TIGER program, short for “Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery.” The amount goes toward a $300,000 “Restoring Pathways to Economic Opportunities” planning project to mitigate impacts of the elevated section of I-20/59, which “bisects neighborhoods in downtown Birmingham, cutting lower income neighborhoods off from economic opportunities,” according to the grant summary.

PARTICIPANTS LOG 15.6 MILLION VEHICLE MILES REDUCED THROUGH COMMUTESMART Participants in the CommuteSmart program logged more than 15.6 million miles of reduced vehicle travel in the program year ending September 2014. The reduced vehicle miles translate into approximately 5,400 tons of reduced air pollution and over 435,000 gallons of fuel saved. During this period, the CommuteSmart team registered 3,591 new participants through advertising and outreach at nearly 300 events and meetings. Commuters interested in carpooling, vanpooling and bicycling to work have over 23,000 potential partners to connect with through the CommuteSmart database.

SAMFORD BIKE LOAN PROGRAM Samford University Transportation Services implemented a bike loan program to provide free alternative transportation around campus. The program decreases the number of vehicles moving around campus and allows the Samford community to easily and conveniently borrow a bike for up to three days.

ECO-WHEELS FEATURES LATEST TRENDS IN ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION

Eco-Wheels, Alabama’s only green and alternative vehicle show, was held in May at Birmingham’s Railroad Park. Presented by My Green Birmingham, the 2nd annual Eco-Wheels event featured the latest trends in alternative transportation including hybrids, natural gas and electric vehicles, bicycles, Segways and more. The free community event hosted local industry experts and vehicle dealers, as well as several area environmental nonprofits. Representatives were present to offer insight to visitors about everything from the basics of greener transportation to the growing benefits of related technology in this market.

COMMUTESMART CELEBRATES NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK DAYCommuteSmart hosted Birmingham’s National Bike to Work Day on May 16th to encourage as many people as possible to ride bikes to work instead of driving. CommuteSmart teamed up with a range of local coffee shops around the city to serve as “energizer stations” along various routes that day. Commuters biking to work were able to stop at participating locations for a free cup of coffee while CommuteSmart members passed out prizes to participants. In addition, Redemptive Cycles offered Bike to Work participants free bike tune ups all day.

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ALABAMA POWER EXPANDS ELECTRIC VEHICLES In 2014, Alabama Power made large strides in improving electric vehicle infrastructure through charging station initiatives for its fleet, employees, and customers. The company installed 48 plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging stations at 18 different company locations to support its electric fleet traveling around the state for education and demonstration. In line with earmarking 5 percent of its fleet budget to increase its electric and hybrid fleet, the company recently purchased 22 charging stations to install at company locations. An additional 10 will be installed at the company’s general services complex near Calera. The company is partnering with other companies to expand access to charging stations across the state.

ALAB AM A POWE R E X PAN D S E LE CT R I C VE H I CLE S | | C R E D I T: A L A B A M A P O W E R

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+ Watch the Video

+ View Photo Gallery

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/05/07/eco-wheels-driving-birminghams-future/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/05/07/eco-wheels-2014-a-slide-show/

RECYCLING & CLEANUPS

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ALABAMA PARTNERS FOR CLEAN AIR HOSTS 119 FREE EMISSION TESTING EVENTS

Alabama Partners for Clean Air (APCA) has continued efforts to improve the air quality throughout the Jefferson and Shelby County area. The Birmingham metro area continues to maintain the classification of “in attainment” for ozone-forming emissions and air pollutants as acknowledged by the US EPA. Throughout the year, APCA collected more than 6,400 “Blue Sky” pledges while providing clean air education to the public at 117 events. APCA held 119 voluntary emission test events at various Express Oil and Xpress Lube locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties. Nearly 1,700 vehicles were tested and more than 60 received emissions-related repairs through APCA’s Car Care program.

UAB CAMPUS RESTAURANTS PARTICIPATE IN OIL RECYCLING PROGRAM

UAB Campus Restaurants have partnered with Ventura Foods and Standard Biofuels to participate in an oil-recycling program for frying oils used on campus. The oil is converted to biofuel or blended with petroleum diesel to create biodiesel fuel. 100 percent of all collected oil is recycled — reducing pollutants into the environment and UAB’s carbon footprint. Campus Restaurants anticipates sending 16,800 pounds of cooking oil to Agrileum Environmental Services each year. In return, they will receive a discount on future purchases of frying oil.

MONTGOMERY OPENS $35 MILLION MIXED MATERIALS RECYCLING FACILITY

The city of Montgomery opened a new advanced mixed materials recovery facility, offering residents the opportunity to recycle items simply by throwing them away alongside garbage in city-issued waste bins. The Infinitus Renewable Energy Park at Montgomery (iREP Montgomery) will divert 80 percent of waste from the landfill. The 81,992-square-foot facility that represents a $35 million capital investment by Infinitus Energy, is the most advanced recycling facility in the country, according to Bulk Handling Systems, which installed the system.

ALABAMA COASTAL FOUNDATION HELPS LOCAL ECO-TEAM

Alabama Coastal Foundation received a grant from the Sybil Smith Charitable Trust to help Mobile’s local Eco-Team fund a coordinator position for a full year. Eco-Team works to reduce waste at large public events while encouraging recycling and reusing resources. The group also urges venues to use green-minded resources in terms of energy and products being sold, and also works to educate the general public on important issues related to sustainability. In 2014, Eco-Team helped coordinate recycling efforts during Mardi Gras and BayFest.

ANNUAL VALLEY CREEK CLEAN-UP

During the fourth annual Valley Creek Clean-Up, community volunteers, public works employees and others removed more than 8 tons of trash and debris from a stretch of the watershed in Bessemer from B.Y. Williams Sr. Drive in Midfield to Murphy Lane Bridge. Items such as tires, heavy debris, and scrap metal were removed from the creek. This clean-up was sponsored by Jefferson County Department of Health, the Storm Water Management Authority, and the Freshwater Land Trust, as well as other citizens, municipalities, businesses and county and state agencies. Participating cities were Midfield, Bessemer, Brighton, Lipscomb, Fairfield, Hueytown, and Pleasant Grove.

HUNTSVILLE SCHOOLS COLLECT MORE THAN 5M BOTTLE CAPS TO BE RECYCLED

Huntsville’s Operation Green Team organized a contest between 35 participating local schools to see which school could collect the most bottle caps for recycling. During the 2013-2014 school year, the schools as a whole gathered 5,062,174 bottle caps. These caps were sent to KW Plastics (Republic Services) in Troy, Alabama, where they will be recycled into paint containers, which will return to Huntsville to be sold in Lowes and Home Depot stores.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES ADOPT-A-SPOT PROGRAM Auburn University launched its Adopt-A-Spot program in the fall of 2014. The program allows groups and individuals to be active participants in helping to maintain the natural beauty of Auburn’s campus. By adopting a spot, volunteers commit to performing monthly litter collection and recycling in their adopted area of campus for a period of 1-2 years. Within the first month of launching, 60% of available spots have been adopted.

ADEM GRANT USED TO PURCHASE NEW CULLMAN RECYCLE TRUCK

The City of Cullman Sanitation Department received funding from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) for a new recycle truck. The grant came through ADEM’s Alabama Recycling Fund. The truck, a 2014 Freightliner Mini Max, cost $135,000 and was 100 percent funded by the grant. A container fork truck, at a cost of $59,887, was also obtained and funded through an ADEM grant. The City of Cullman continues efforts to increase recycling to 50 percent throughout the city.

NATIONAL FISH & WILDLIFE FOUNDATION APPROVES $9.6 MILLION FOR GULF RESTORATION

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) approved $9.6 million for four Alabama conservation projects aimed at restoring some of Alabama’s natural resources affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The funding received from the NFWF will support long-term recovery efforts from the adverse effects of the oil spill. Projects include:

• Alabama Barrier Island Restoration Assessment – approximately $3.6 million: This project will conduct an engineering feasibility study to assess the current and future function of Dauphin Island, and evaluate the feasibility and cost associated with sustainable restoration actions.

• Alabama Marine Mammal Conservation and Recovery Program – approximately $1.2 million: This project seeks to increase the response and research capacity within the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) in order to enhance survival of live stranded animals. Data will also be collected to evaluate causes of death and potential solutions for long-term recovery.

• Enhanced Fisheries Monitoring in Alabama’s Marine Waters – approximately $1.8 million: This study aims to expand the collection of data on both catch effort and stock assessment in coastal Alabama.

• Coastal Habitat Restoration Planning Initiative – approximately $2.8 million: This proposal will develop plans to identify the highest priority restoration and conservation needs within the tidally influencedwatershedsthatdirectlyfeed into Mobile Bay.

PROJECT RENEWED SOLES

Montgomery’s Fleet Feet Sports store collected gently used shoes all year to redistribute to the homeless. Their program, Project Renewed Soles, aims to help the homeless shelters and other related organizations located in the River Region. Collected shoes were cleaned, and stocked and sorted by size so they would be readily available for those in need. In addition, Fleet Feet Sports continues to collect very worn shoes to be recycled.

DOYLE PARK CLEANUP EVENT ATTRACTS MORE THAN 100 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

The nonprofit, Friends of Doyle Park, launched a two-year, $1.5 million campaign to rejuvenate the long-neglected 24-acre city park adjacent to Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. Volunteers gathered to assist with bathroom renovations, rebuilding picnic tables, landscaping, and mending fences. The organization includes residents, the Mobile Airport Authority, and several firms involved in the Airbus A320 final assembly line under construction at the aeroplex.

RECYCLING AND WASTE REDUCTION SUMMIT

The Alabama Environmental Council held its Recycling and Waste Reduction Summit at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The goal was to provide information to citizens and community leaders from across Alabama about reducing waste and recycling. Those in attendance were various municipalities, schools, businesses, and concerned citizens. Additional topics included various methods to recycle and grow local economies.


NFWF APPROVES $12.6 MILLION FOR THREE GULF COAST RESTORATION PROGRAMS

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) approved $12.6 million this year for three pilot projects to help restore some of Alabama’s natural resources affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Projects include:

• D’Olive Watershed Restoration – approximately $6.8 million: This project will restore degraded streams and install management measures to reduce excessive erosion and sedimentation due to development in the D’Olive watershed.

• Restoration and Enhancement of Oyster Reefs – approximately $3.8 million: This project aims to restore Alabama’s oyster reefs in the Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, and Bon Secour Bay and increase existing oyster reefs by an additional 600 acres.

• Fowl River Watershed Restoration – approximately $2 million: This project includessignificantrestoration work and the development of a comprehensive watershed management plan for Fowl River.

GRANT HELPS DOTHAN PURCHASE NEW RECYCLING TRUCK

The Dothan City Commission accepted a $150,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to help the city purchase a truck to pick up recyclables and aid in the purchase of newer, bigger recycling bins for residences. The city is already in the process of purchasing 900 65-gallon blue recycling bins at a total cost of $40,914. Additionally, 5,200 95-gallon recycle bins were purchased at a total cost of just more than $254,000.

RENEW OUR RIVERS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF TRASH REMOVAL

During the 15th year of Renew Our Rivers, volunteers removed more than 380,000 pounds of trash from Alabama waterways during the 2014 campaign. This marks the most trash collected by the program coordinated by Alabama Power from state waterways in the last five years. This year, Renew Our Rivers hosted more than 30 cleanups across the state and expanded existing partnerships with conservation focused groups like BASS Nation and the Alabama Bass Trail.


5TH ANNUAL GOOD LIFE RIDE

The Alabama Coastal Foundation partnered with the Good Life Foundation to host the Fifth Annual Good Life Ride in May. Participants choose from three different ride options: a 40-mile ride leaving from Page and Palette in Fairhope, a half ride leaving from Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs, or a 8-mile ride from the Orange Beach Sportsplex using the BackCountry Trail. All rides ended at the Hangout in Gulf Shores with a fun post-ride celebration. More than 170 riders participated.

EXTENDING THE CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL

An extension of the Civil Rights Trail, part of the Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System, was completed in March. Additions include new sidewalks, bike lanes, educational Civil Rights Movement signage, and a one mile trail along a historic streetcar line. The Freshwater Land Trust, the Jefferson County Department of Health and the City of Birmingham celebrated an unveiling of the extension that runs from downtown Birmingham through portions of the Smithfield, East Thomas and Enon Ridge neighborhoods.

TOYOTA PARTNERS WITH CITY OF HUNTSVILLE TO REVITALIZE JOHN HUNT PARK

More than 100 Toyota Alabama volunteers were among the large group of volunteers who met in John Hunt Park to support National Public Lands Day (NPLD). The participants volunteered as part of a coast-to-coast initiative with more than 175,000 people donating their time and effort to improving public lands.

RED MOUNTAIN PARK ENLISTS GOAT HERD TO CLEAR KUDZU & PRIVET FROM PROPERTY

In an effort to eradicate invasive plants, Birmingham’s Red Mountain Park enlisted Goat Busters (Goodling Enterprises, LLC) to place 50 goats at an area of high kudzu and privet concentration. The goats ate the invasive plant species all week-long and helped clear a vast area surrounding the Park’s historic Hoist House. Using goats as an alternative to machine powered lawn equipment goes back a long time in history. During WWII, gasoline rations prompted many homeowners to rely on rental goats for lawn maintenance purposes.

PET WASTE STATIONS IN MONTGOMERY PARKS HELP PREVENT WATER CONTAMINATION

The installation of seven new pet waste disposal stations in Montgomery area parks will help make cleanup much more convenient for local pet owners and create a healthier, cleaner environment. When not properly removed, pet waste is often washed into nearby storm drains and can end up in area bodies of water. The result can lead to contaminated drinking water, and hinder recreational water activities and wildlife protection. Project partners included the Alabama Clean Water Partnership (Alabama & Tallapoosa Basins), Alabama Department of Environmental Management, City of Montgomery, Alabama, Tukabatchee Boy Scout Troop 15, and the Mid-South Resource Conservation & Development Council.

PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION

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PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION

SIGNS FOR CYCLISTS PLACED FROM DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE TO MONTE SANO

The City of Huntsville installed a dozen directional signs for cyclists riding to the Monte Sano Nature Preserve trailhead at Three Caves. Users may enjoy 46+ miles of trails throughout the Land Trust of North Alabama, the Monte Sano State Park, and the Burritt Museum, all located within minutes of the City’s urban center. The City’s Planning Department and Traffic Engineering Department worked with Downtown Huntsville Inc., to create the signs and mark a route beginning at the corner of Williams and Monroe and ending at the Three Caves parking lot trailhead. The 20 miles of the Monte Sano Nature Preserve trail system is one of four systems created by the Land Trust to be honored as the first and only National Recreation Trails in Madison County.

CAHABA BLUEWAY INITIATIVE ENHANCES NATURE BASED TOURISM

The Cahaba Blueway initiative is an effort to enhance nature- based tourism and outdoor recreation throughout the Cahaba River Corridor in north-central Alabama. The initiative aims to work with communities to develop a thoughtfully-designed system of access points and interpretive signs to create a positive recreational experience. The Blueway steering committee has completed draft guidelines for access point development as well as initial planning and design for the first officially-designated Cahaba Blueway access sites to be established at US Hwy. 78 and Grants Mill Road in 2015. Guidelines and resources created through the initiative will be available to communities within the Cahaba River Corridor to develop their own accesses.

GOOD ROOTS AWARDS 38 GRANTS FOR TREE PLANTING

The Alabama Power Foundation awarded 38 Good Roots grants totaling more than $33,000 to help communities across Alabama plant trees. In partnership with the Alabama Forestry Association and the Alabama Urban Forestry Association, the foundation provides Good Roots grants to cities, towns and nonprofit organizations to purchase trees.

Good Roots helps beautify and strengthen communities with tree-planting projects that benefit the environment and can support recreation and economic development efforts. Volunteers plant the Good Roots trees and maintain them.


50 FREEDOM OAK TREES PLANTED AT RED MOUNTAIN PARK

In commemoration of Birmingham’s “50 Years Forward,” a year long anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement, 50 Freedom Oak trees were planted at Red Mountain Park in early spring. The trees were a gift to the park from Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell, Sr., music legend William “Bootsy” Collins, former NFL player Gary Burley, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Red Mountain Park was selected as the planting site in part due to its historical significance in the building and development of Birmingham.

RED MOUNTAIN PARK OPENS FIRST TWO TREEHOUSES IN PARK

In honor of National Trails Day, Birmingham’s Red Mountain Park held a grand opening of two new treehouses at the park. The two treehouses, located at the Mine #14 Portal and the other at Grace’s Gap, are the first of ten total treehouses to be built around the park. All will offer amazing views of the Birmingham area. The park also completed work on Remy’s Dog Park, a 6-acre off-leash dog park, free and open to the public.

NINE ALABAMA STATE PARKS EARN CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS

This year nine Alabama State Parks earned the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. The Certificate of Excellence is an honor reserved for the top tier of attractions, hotels, parks and restaurants out of the thousands of attractions around the globe on TripAdvisor’s site. Award winners must maintain a rating of at least four out of five stars and be listed on TripAdvisor for a minimum of one year. The following state parks received the TripAdvisor’s Award of Excellence: Gulf State, Cathedral Caverns, Chewacla, DeSoto, Lakepoint, Monte Sano, Oak Mountain, Lake Guntersville and Joe Wheeler.

GULF STATE PARK OPENS ITS FIRST PRIMITIVE CAMPSITES

Gulf State Park opened eleven primitive campsites this year, including nine that sit directly on a creek, allowing guests easy access for a short canoe ride to Middle Lake. The new campsites feature campfire rings, grill tops and picnic tables nestled amongst the trees. wThe sites were created using funds allocated by the State Legislature for improvements and maintenance at the parks.

BUILDING & DESIGN

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BUILDING & DESIGN

UAH RESIDENCE HALL & GREENWAY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY

Charger Village, a residence hall on the campus of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, achieved LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in February. Aside from long-term advantages, 90% of construction waste was diverted from

landfills, more than 20% of building material was recycled (steel, concrete, precast panels, brick, metal roofing, sheetrock, acoustical ceilings, wood doors, windows, and carpeting), and 1/3 of materials were obtained from local manufacturers. Having a LEED certified building on campus not only helps lower energy usage to help the environment, but also helps reduce UAH’s overhead costs of running the building.

BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL REP OUTLINES NEIGHBORHOOD RENEWAL PLAN AT CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE CONFERENCE

Birmingham City Council member William Parker, District 4 Representative, attended the 2014 Clinton Global Initiative: Sustainable Buildings conference. There he discussed his 2014 Commitment to Action, which aims to empower the North Birmingham neighborhood through neighborhood renewal. The plan outlines ongoing community revitalization and the creation of hundreds of jobs in North Birmingham. Working with the City of Birmingham and other partners, the holistic plan includes: soil remediation, development of vacant lots around historic Bethel Baptist Church into green space, construction of a pedestrian/vehicular bridge, redevelopment of Maclin Park, building of affordable housing on the former Carver High School site, and floodplain management.

UAB’S ABROMS-ENGEL INSTITUTE FOR THE VISUAL ARTS FEATURES WATER DRAIN SOLUTIONS

UAB’s new Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts now features a solution to an urban water drainage problem outside of the building. A narrow trough called a bioswale, has been created between the rear of the building and the parking lot and uses several layers of absorbent materials to prevent flooding in the area. The feature helps raise the low absorbency rate typical for urban areas.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY AND THE CITY OF AUBURN PARTNER TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABILITY

The City of Auburn and Auburn University are working together to implement elements of the city’s Downtown Master Plan and several other downtown-related projects. This partnership was formed as a result of receiving a one-year, grant from the Urban Sustainability Accelerator program offered by the Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University. City and university officials will coordinate with experts affiliated with the program for improvements to downtown alleyways, the intersection of Samford Avenue and College Street, parking, pedestrian safety, rain gardens, and more.

MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER BUILDING EARNS LEED CERTIFICATION

The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville earned LEED Certification after following the federal government’s “repair by replacement” plan. Rather than build a cheap but high maintenance cost building, the federal government has been focused on building things to last that are also environmentally friendly. The new 4220 building is now the seventh LEED Certified building on Marshall’s campus and will replace the old 4202 building that is currently awaiting demolition.

ALABAMA’S BETTER LIVING EXPO TO INCLUDE MORE SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Alabama’s Better Living Expo (ABLE), the largest sustainable building expo and educational conference in the Southeast, has committed to including a greater number of sustainable practices in its annual event. ABLE organizers have partnered with the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel, the location for the annual conference, as well as with the United States Green Building Council Alabama and Recycle Alabama to develop additional methods to reduce waste while still running an efficient and educational show. All waste will be diverted to Montgomery’s local recycling plant (IREP) so that trash will not need to be divided into separate containers on the show floor. ABLE is also working with major sponsors, Alabama Power and ADECA-Energy Division, to think green by posting tips for reducing waste & recycling on the event website. Exhibitor booths that go above and beyond with their efforts in utilizing sustainable practices will also be recognized.

STATE’S FIRST LEED PLATINUM MILITARY BUILDING

The Pelham Range Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC), a facility for logistics, weapons, and unit administration training in Alexandria, Alabama, is the state’s first LEED Platinum building for military training and a model for sustainable construction. The building achieves an energy cost savings of 38 percent, thanks to an improved thermal envelope, occupancy sensors, high-efficiency geothermal pumps, and on-site renewable energy. Thirty percent of building materials by value was manufactured using recycled materials, and more than a third of the materials were obtained within 500 miles of the project site. LEED Silver is required for all new National Guard projects.

LEED CONTINUES TO GAIN MOMENTUM IN ALABAMA

LEED development continues to grow in Alabama. As of November 2014, more than 1500 LEED credentialed professionals are working in Alabama. More than 33 Million square feet have been registered or certified under the LEED rating systems for commercial buildings, which includes public buildings such as government offices and schools.

LEED CERTIFIED GREEN BUILDING LIST FOR 2014

LEED certified buildings are built using methods that are energy and water efficient, environmentally friendly, cost saving, and healthier. LEED buildings also help create more sustainable communities. The following Alabama buildings were awarded a variety of LEED certifications during 2014:

• UAHuntsville Charger Village - Huntsville --Silver

• 7200RedstoneGateway(FlexOffice)-Huntsville--Certified

• BLHarbertInternationalOfficeBuilding-Fairfield--Gold

• NOAA National Water Center - Tuscaloosa -- Gold

• VF Jeanswear Wrangler Facility - Hackleburg -- Gold

• Chase Corporate Center - Birmingham -- Silver

• PNC Mobile Floor 10 - Mobile -- Silver

• SKF USA Inc - Moody Commerce Park - Moody -- Gold

• Starbucks Hwy 69 & Olive Street - Cullman--Certified

• Colonial Promenade/Tannehill - Bessemer--Certified

RESCUED RELICS LAUNCHES HISTORIC PRESERVATION RECYCLING INITIATIVE Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery initiated an innovative recycling and historic preservation project to compliment its restoration efforts. While restoring and maintaining the 50 historic structures located in Old Alabama Town in the City of Montgomery, many of the later-added interior and exterior components were removed to accomplish an authentic restoration of the buildings. Landmarks established Rescued Relics, a not-for-profitsalvagebusinesslocatedinayet-to-be-restored1920swarehouse,andoffersmanyhistoric architectural elements and materials from a variety of building styles and time periods to those working on other renovation projects the central Alabama region. This uniquerecyclingeffortalsofreesupspaceinincreasinglyovercrowdedmunicipallandfill.

C R E D I T: R E S C U E D R E L I C E S R E S O U R C E F O U N DAT I O N


http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/02/24/a-look-inside-the-alabama-better-living-expo/

C R E D I T: A L . CO M

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY

TOYOTA ALABAMA NAMED MODEL PLANT FOR SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS Toyota Alabama has invested $1 million into implementing several programs to enhance its plant’s environmental efforts including switching to higher-efficiency motors and using compressed air more efficiently. The Huntsville engine plant has also switched to using LED lighting, solar lights and day lighting to help reduce its overall electricity use. These initiatives and others result in annual savings of more than 3.3 million kilowatts and more than 2,000 metric tons of CO2 for Toyota Alabama. In October, the facility won five awards for environmental excellence, including one from the EPA, three from Toyota and one from the city of Huntsville for air pollution control.

GOVERNOR ROBERT BENTLEY SIGNS PROCLAMATION FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Governor Robert Bentley signed a proclamation formally declaring November 29 as Small Business Saturday in Alabama. Small Business Saturday is designed to celebrate and support small businesses and the impact they have on Alabama communities. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are approximately 400,000 small businesses in Alabama.

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TRANSPORTATION

ALABAMA’S HONDA PLANT REMAINS AT ZERO-WASTE Alabama’s Honda plant became the first North American auto making facility to achieve zero-waste-to-landfill status when it launched mass production in 2001, and has remained that way to date. Honda officials say their Alabama facility set out from the start to become a leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Each year, the Talladega county factory recycles:

• Scrap metal weighing 80 million pounds

• 5 million pounds of cardboard

• 500,000 pounds of plastic

• 20,000 pounds of aluminum cans

NEW DUNN BUILDING COMPANY OFFICE BUILDING REFLECTS COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITYDunn Building Company built their new Birmingham office building to reflect their corporate commitment to environmental best practices. The new 6,600 SF building was designed to LEED certification and incorporates many sustainable features, including showcasing pre-engineered steel framing, storm water collection bioswales, low-flow fixtures, and low VOC paints. The building also features motion sensor light switches, efficient ventilation, and heating and cooling systems that minimize energy usage. The project included a storm water management system to eliminate all stormwater runoff.

GOODWYN, MILLS & CAWOOD, INC. AWARDED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION PLANGoodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. (GMC) was named a recipient of the 2014 Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP) Member Environmental Stewardship Awards. GMC received the award for their break-through environmental remediation plan implemented to clean up the contaminated AIDT Maritime Training Center site. Their innovative solution included phytoremediation (the utilization of plants to clean up environmental contaminants) with a Bald Cypress forest and fern plots, making it the first of its kind in the state of Alabama. By combating the environmental issues stemming from the contaminated site, the team was able to keep the project development on track and restore the natural habitat in a way that will continually improve the site’s environmental conditions as time progresses.

HONDA TEAMS WITH AL INSTITUTE FOR DEAF & BLIND FOR PROJECT GREEN INITIATIVEHonda has teamed with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB) in an initiative called Project Green, which encourages the recycling of a wide variety of materials. AIDB student workers and Project Green staffers collect more than 19,000 pounds of waste vegetable oil from the Honda plant’s three cafeteria locations each year. The used oil is transformed into biofuel for internal use at the plant.

VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY EARNS CONSERVATION EDUCATION AWARDVulcan Materials Company (NYSE: VMC) has been awarded the prestigious Conservation Education Award at the Wildlife Habitat Council’s (WHC) 26th Annual Symposium, Celebrating Corporate Conservation. Vulcan was recognized for its outstanding national legacy in the pursuit of excellence in wildlife habitat conservation education and outreach. Vulcan helps manage 43 Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) certified sites around the country, one of which is Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. The Conservation Education Award recognizes a corporation that has a history of striving for excellence in conservation education and outreach. The award honors an organization for its combined efforts in providing educational experiences and opportunities for personal contact with the natural world, benefiting both employees and the surrounding community.

C R E D I T: V U LCA N M AT E R I A L S CO M PA N Y

FRESHWATER LAND TRUST RECEIVES RE-ACCREDITATION IN 2014

The Freshwater Land Trust achieved renewed land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the National Land Trust Alliance. Accredited land trusts are authorized to display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence, uphold the public trust and ensure that conservation efforts are permanent. The seal is a mark of distinction in land conservation.

RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Alabama Power now offers a new and improved method for residential and commercial customers to support renewable energy. The Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) program allows customers to purchase RECs associated with energy generated from renewable sources. A voluntary program, RECs allow customers to buy certificates associated with energy from renewable sources, such as wind, solar or biomass. Alabama Power started its first green energy program more than 10 years ago, to allow customers to partner in supporting renewable energy. The program is open to residential and commercial customers across the state.

SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS & INITIATIVES

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ACLARA SYSTEM GENERATES WATER SAVINGS

Auburn University recently completed the installation of a wireless monitoring system for campus utilities in most building locations. This system allows the Utilities & Energy Department to remotely monitor consumption levels for water, electricity, and gas, and the system automatically sends an alarm to registered users for unusually high consumption levels. In the first year of use, the monitoring system identified 48 separate incidents of high water consumption that, once remedied, saved over 4.75 million gallons of water and $33,000 in expenditures. This system is one element in a suite of strategies that have helped the university reduce water consumption intensity by over 40% from its 2007 baseline.

EPA ADDRESSES ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN NORTH BIRMINGHAM

EPA is approaching the environmental assessment of the North Birmingham area in a multi-media (OneEPA) manner that includes Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Superfund (SF), Air, Water and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Programs. The Agency plans to characterize and assess environmental concerns in the northern Birmingham communities of North Birmingham, Collegeville, Fairmont, and Harriman Park. EPA intends to complete its assessment as quickly as possible to address potential environmental contamination in the area and protect the health of community members. The plan will include a coordinated effort using RCRA and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) authorities to focus on environmental conditions in the area.

MOBILE BAY NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM RECEIVES GRANT FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) received funding from the U.S. EPA under the Clean Water Act Section 319 program from the Alabama Dept. of Environmental Management (ADEM). Thompson Engineering wrote the grant application that resulted in a $650,000 award from ADEM for design of an innovative stormwater management system to repair a degraded urban stream segment and wetlands. ADEM also contributed $200,000 in matching funds. The project is the initial effort to enable Joe’s Branch to meet state water quality standards and ultimately be delisted from the Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters.

C R E D I T: T H O M P S O N E N G I N E E R I N G I N CO R P O R AT E D

GREEN COAST COUNCIL

The Green Coast Council (GCC) is an initiative of the Alabama Coastal Foundation, which has the mission to improve and protect Alabama’s coastal environment through cooperation, education, and participation. The GCC provides a forum for business and industry leaders who practice and promote environmental sustainability principles. Through meetings, conferences, and actions, the council provides positive environmental leadership throughout coastal Alabama. Each council commits to recognize the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable decision-making. Members also take responsibility within their own business to seek ways to cut waste, reduce transportation costs and increase energy and water efficiency, as well as improve employee pay equity and benefits. In 2014, the GCC increased its membership by 53%.

• Environmental Stewardship - protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices, environmental education outreach efforts.

• Well Organized Infrastructure - design of new roadways, air services, and waterways, plus enhancement of existing transportation routes, as well as architecture review of utilities and other public services.

• Sustainability - infrastructures that promote health and wellness of the community as well as the health of the community’s economy.

• Prosperity - thoughtful investment in the community.

• Progressive Education - quality education is a critical necessity for any prosperous community to attract educated professionals as well as feed the local economy from within with targeted and nationally- recognized programs and facilities.

• Community Planning - new development and revitalization of buildings and infrastructure will enhance the sense of place and quality of life.

GULF SHORES ANNOUNCES SMALL TOWN, BIG BEACH VISION 2025 FOR SUSTAINABILITY

The city of Gulf Shores announced a new comprehensive strategic plan for the city called Small Town, Big Beach Vision 2025 for Sustainability. The plan will prioritize many key aspects of sustainability including the following:

AUBURN STUDENTS PARTNER WITH TIGER DINING TO BRING LOCAL FOODS TO CAMPUS

Students from Auburn Real Food Challenge worked with Tiger Dining to launch the Plains 2 Plate dining venue on campus in January, 2014. This venue provides fresh, healthy foods to customers, with a focus on sourcing food from the region and telling the stories of producers who provide the vegetables, meats, and grains. In the first semester of operation, Plains 2 Plate served more than 21,000 meals and purchased 450 pounds of lettuce and 500 pounds of cucumbers from Extreme Hydroponics in Auburn.

MOBILE COMPANIES HONORED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Four Mobile area companies were honored during the Partners for Environmental Progress’ 10th annual Environmental Stewardship Awards. The awards aim to honor member companies that have demonstrated a significant and positive contribution to applying best environmental practices to business and community issues. The 2014 honorees include Dunn Building Co., Goodwyn Mills & Cawood Inc., Hargrove Engineers + Constructors and Thompson Engineering.

3 ALABAMA SCHOOLS RECEIVE GREEN RIBBON AWARDS FROM U.S. DEPT. OF EDUCATION Three Alabama public schools were among 48 schools nationwide to receive the 2014 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School Awards. Recipients are F. E. Burleson Elementary School in Hartselle, Brock’s Gap Intermediate School in Hoover, and Homewood Middle School in Homewood. The schools were honored for “exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including civics and green career pathways.

The Green Resource Center for Alabama is thankful for the many achievements all across the state of

Alabama this year. We’re especially proud of the many green-related efforts, projects, and initiatives

created and implemented by countless organizations, businesses and individuals dedicated to

making a lasting impact on our state’s progress.

More than ever before, Alabamians are recognizing the interdependence between human health

and the quality of the environment in which we live. Many of the ideas and plans fueling Alabama’s

recent progress stem from the very fundamentals of sustainability — to extend the endurance of our

systems and processes.

More people have a growing appreciation of the benefits related to sustainable practices and

understand that collective solutions are the best way to transform a community and move our state

forward. We hope this year’s Green Progress Report will inspire a continuation of individual and

collaborative involvement in Alabama’s future environmental and sustainable progress.

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SUSTAINABILITY ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION LED BY BIRMINGHAM MAYOR BELL

Birmingham Mayor Bell met with a range of local environmental and nonprofit leaders for a sustainability roundtable discussion. Attendees spoke about current sustainable efforts taking place within their own organizations, and discussed different options about how the group can work collectively toward greater sustainability advancement in 2014 and beyond. The group as a whole expressed a greater need for raising public interest in sustainability issues, and for finding more ways to help make sustainable practices more relevant and value added to local families. The event was held at Innovation Depot and hosted by environmental strategy and media agency, Sustain.

ISSUES & ALES DISCUSSION HOSTED BY WBHM 90.3 FM

Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM hosted an “Issues & Ales” event concentrating on sustainable development and Birmingham’s future. The event focused on what Birmingham is doing, and what local experts and residents think the City should be doing to improve the environment as revitalization efforts continue. Lee Ann Macknally, President of Macknally Land Design, served as keynote speaker, followed by Dr. Fouad H. Fouad, director of the Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A panel discussion with local sustainability experts followed.

BIRMINGHAM CELEBRATES CHAMPIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY

The city of Birmingham celebrated the 2nd annual Champions of Sustainability event in October at The Westin Birmingham. Hosted by My Green Birmingham, Champions of Sustainability honors the diverse efforts of those who create positive change in Birmingham and its surrounding communities. Honorees included local entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionaries, all of whom understand that collective solutions are the best way to transform and enrich our community’s livability. The following were honored in 2014:

• Appleseed Workshop, Building + Design

• Vulcan Materials, Outstanding Business

• Southern Research Institute, Project of the Year

• Birmingham City Councilor William Parker, Advocacy

• West End Community Gardens, Social Progress

• Cahaba River Society, Environment

EPA AWARDS UA GRANT TO DESIGN SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the University of Alabama (UA) with one of its 42 People, Prosperity, and Planet (P3) awards for the 2014-2015 school year. Teams are to design innovative solutions to sustainable challenges in the developed and developing world. Grant funding will go toward research and development of designs, which will be presented in April to be judged by a panel of experts convened by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C. The UA team is testing a combination of ultraviolet LED wavelengths as a more energy-efficient method for sterilizing water that creates less toxic waste than conventional lamps used for the process.

ESTABLISHMENT OF BIRMINGHAM LAND BANK AUTHORITY

The Birmingham City Council approved seven public volunteers to serve as committee members for the city’s new Land Bank Authority. The Alabama legislature authorized the creation of a Birmingham land bank in 2013, and the process for candidate selection was complete in August. The new project aims to significantly reduce the number of dilapidated homes and vacant lots in the Birmingham area. Nearly 6,500 lots could be acquired through the Land Bank Authority if property taxes haven’t been paid for five years and the land doesn’t sell at a tax sale. Committee members of the land bank then meet and determine whether or not to demolish, rehab, or sell the property.


+ Watch the Video


+ Listen to the Discussion

+ Watch the Video

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/02/video-meet-our-2014-champions-of-sustainability/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/07/photo-gallery-a-look-at-the-2014-champions-of-sustainability/

http://www.wbhm.org/News/2014/IssuesAndAles

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/02/04/sustainability-roundtable-connects-mayor-bell-and-environmental-groups/

2014 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES:

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2014 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES

TOP GREEN PROGRESS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

A Celebration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/07/09/a-celebration-of-the-land-and-water-conservation-fund/

Southern Research Institute Completes State’s First Solar Research Facility+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/10/southeastern-solar-research-center-opens/

Birmingham Receives Smarter Cities Challenge Grant+ http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/07/working_smarter_ibm_team_arriv.html#incart_river


New Flows on Section of Coosa River+ http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/11/21/flows-returned-to-section-of-coosa-river/

Birmingham Botanical Garden’s Centennial Tree Project + http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-stories/2009/10/new_trees_being_planted_from_o.htm

GIWP Forest Industry Certifications Support Sustainable Management Practices+ http://giwportal.org/

Students and Freshwater Land Trust Partner to Restore Coalburg Site+ http://dialog.ua.edu/2014/11/seeing-both-the-forest-and-the-trees/7

Land Trust of North AL & Nature Conservancy Combine Resources to Maintain Trails+ http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/alabama/

National Wild Turkey Foundation Donates to Conservation Department+ http://www.outdooralabama.com/nwtf-donation-conservation-department-supports-wildlife-management-0

The Nature Conservancy Acquires 1,419 acres in the Talladega National Forest+ http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/conservancy_group_buys_1400_ac.html#incart_river

Birmingham Audubon urban Habitat Initiative+ http://www.birminghamaudubon.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=125&Itemid=134

Weeks Bay Reef Enhancement+ http://www.outdooralabama.com/weeks-bay-reef-enhancement-complete


Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Series+ http://blog.bbgardens.org/?p=1249

UAH Becomes a Tree Campus USA + http://www.uah.edu/sustainability/past-and-current-projects/7020-tree-campus-usa

Students to Stewards+ http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/10/02/alabama-power-foundation-announces-students-to-stewards-grant-winners/

Connecting Urban Youth with Outdoor Water Activities+ http://www.cahabariversociety.org/clean/

EPA Awards Alabama Clean Water Partnership $171,436 Grant+ http://www.southeastgreen.com/index.php/news/alabama

Sustainable Natural Fertilizer Initiative Extends UAH Garden Projects + http://www.uah.edu/news/campus/sustainable-natural-fertilizer-initiative-makes-uah-campus-greener

Gulf Coast Bay Buddy Program+ http://www.joinacf.org/#!bay-buddy/cu2f

UAB & UAH are members of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)+ http://www.uah.edu/sustainability/past-and-current-projects/7787-cap

UAB Reduces Food Waste with LeanPath Tool+ http://www.uab.edu/reporter/work-resources/sustainability/item/5376-new-programs-reduce-waste-in-campus-restaurants

NaturePlex Ground Breaking+ http://raycomgroup.worldnow.com/story/26558226/alabama-wildlife-federation-to-build-new-natureplex

Birmingham Zoo Solar Display+ http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/05/30/alabama-power-partners-cut-ribbon-on-birmingham-zoo-solar-energy-project/

2015 Legacy Grant Recipients Announced+ http://legacyenved.org/2015-legacy-grant-recipients-announced/

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Alabama’s First Accelerator for High-Growth Startups Announced + http://southernalpha.com/rocket-hatch-announces-winner-first-huntsville-accelerator-will-fly/

Comfort Project Brings Affordable Energy Solutions to those in Need + http://www.nexusenergycenter.org/comfort-project/

The U.S. Department of Energy Awards $950,000 to Alabama+ http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/us_department_of_energy_awards.html

Redstone Arsenal to be Home to the Largest Solar Power Array in Alabama + http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/contracts_due_sept_30_on_large.html

New Chiller Plant at Providence Hospital in Mobile, AL Reduces Energy Costs+ http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/providence_hospital_completes.html

Auburn Arena Improves Efficiency + http://www.auburn.edu


Montgomery Opens #35 Million Mixed Materials Recycling Facility + http://www.al.com/news/montgomery/index.ssf/2014/04/35_million_residential_recycli.html

Alabama Coastal Foundation Helps Local Eco-Team+ http://www.joinacf.org/#!eco-team/cg9s

Annual Valley Creek Clean-Up+ http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/09/volunteers_and_others_removed.html

Huntsville Schools Collect More than 5M Bottle Caps to be Recycled + http://www.huntsvilleal.gov/greenteam/GotCaps2014-15Flier.pdf

Auburn University Launches Adopt-A-Spot Program+ https://cws.auburn.edu/AdoptASpot

ADEM Grant Used to Purchase New Cullman Recycling Truck+ http://www.cullmantimes.com/community/article_c79af2d0-4324-11e4-9018-370e62b3a1e8.html

Alabama Partners for Clean Air Hosts 119 Free Emission Testing Events + www.alabamacleanair.org

UAB Campus Restaurants Participate in Oil Recycling Program+ http://www.uab.edu/reporter/work-resources/sustainability/item/5376-new-programs-reduce-waste-in-campus-restaurants

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Approves $9.6 Million for Gulf Restoration+ http://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2014/11/governor-bentley-announces-9-6-million-gulf-restoration-projects-alabama/

Project Renewed Soles+ http://www.fleetfeetmontgomery.com/community/shoes-for-the-homeless

Doyle Park Cleanup Event Attracts More Than 100 Community Volunteers + http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2014/10/doyle_park_cleanup_event_attra.html

Recycling and Waste Reduction Summit + http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/29/2014-recycling-and-waste-reduction-summit/

Renew Our Rivers Celebrates 15 Years of Trash Removal + http://renewourrivers.com/

NFWF Approves $12.6 Million for Three Gulf Coast Restoration Programs+ http://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2013/11/governor-bentley-announces-three-pilot-gulf-restoration-projects-alabama/

Grant Helps Dothan Purchase New Recycling Truck+ http://www.dothaneagle.com/news/government/grant-will-help-dothan-purchase-new-recycling-truck/article_036ef1d4-32eb-11e4-8cec-0017a43b2370.html

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/07/09/a-celebration-of-the-land-and-water-conservation-fund/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/07/09/a-celebration-of-the-land-and-water-conservation-fund/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/10/southeastern-solar-research-center-opens/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/10/southeastern-solar-research-center-opens/

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/07/working_smarter_ibm_team_arriv.html#incart_river

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/07/working_smarter_ibm_team_arriv.html#incart_river

http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/11/21/flows-returned-to-section-of-coosa-river/

http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/11/21/flows-returned-to-section-of-coosa-river/

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-stories/2009/10/new_trees_being_planted_from_o.htm

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-stories/2009/10/new_trees_being_planted_from_o.htm

http://giwportal.org/

http://dialog.ua.edu/2014/11/seeing-both-the-forest-and-the-trees/

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/alabama/

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/alabama/

http://www.outdooralabama.com/nwtf-donation-conservation-department-supports-wildlife-management-0

http://www.outdooralabama.com/nwtf-donation-conservation-department-supports-wildlife-management-0

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/conservancy_group_buys_1400_ac.html#incart_river

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/conservancy_group_buys_1400_ac.html#incart_river

http://www.birminghamaudubon.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=125&Itemid=134

http://www.birminghamaudubon.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=125&Itemid=134

http://blog.bbgardens.org/?p=1249

http://www.uah.edu/sustainability/past-and-current-projects/7020-tree-campus-usa

http://www.uah.edu/sustainability/past-and-current-projects/7020-tree-campus-usa

http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/10/02/alabama-power-foundation-announces-students-to-stewards-grant-winners/

http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/10/02/alabama-power-foundation-announces-students-to-stewards-grant-winners/

http://www.cahabariversociety.org/clean/

http://www.southeastgreen.com/index.php/news/alabama

http://www.uah.edu/news/campus/sustainable-natural-fertilizer-initiative-makes-uah-campus-greener

http://www.uah.edu/news/campus/sustainable-natural-fertilizer-initiative-makes-uah-campus-greener

http://www.joinacf.org/#!bay-buddy/cu2f

http://www.uah.edu/sustainability/past-and-current-projects/7787-cap

http://www.uab.edu/reporter/work-resources/sustainability/item/5376-new-programs-reduce-waste-in-campus-restaurants


http://raycomgroup.worldnow.com/story/26558226/alabama-wildlife-federation-to-build-new-natureplex

http://raycomgroup.worldnow.com/story/26558226/alabama-wildlife-federation-to-build-new-natureplex

http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/05/30/alabama-power-partners-cut-ribbon-on-birmingham-zoo-solar-energy-project/

http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/05/30/alabama-power-partners-cut-ribbon-on-birmingham-zoo-solar-energy-project/

http://legacyenved.org/2015-legacy-grant-recipients-announced/

Alabama’s First Accelerator for High-Growth Startups Announced http://southernalpha.com/rocket-hatch-announces-winner-first-huntsville-accelerator-will-fly/

Alabama’s First Accelerator for High-Growth Startups Announced http://southernalpha.com/rocket-hatch-announces-winner-first-huntsville-accelerator-will-fly/

http://www.nexusenergycenter.org/comfort-project/

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/us_department_of_energy_awards.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/us_department_of_energy_awards.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/contracts_due_sept_30_on_large.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/contracts_due_sept_30_on_large.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/providence_hospital_completes.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/providence_hospital_completes.html

http://www.auburn.edu

http://www.al.com/news/montgomery/index.ssf/2014/04/35_million_residential_recycli.html

http://www.al.com/news/montgomery/index.ssf/2014/04/35_million_residential_recycli.html

http://www.joinacf.org/#!eco-team/cg9s

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/09/volunteers_and_others_removed.html

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/09/volunteers_and_others_removed.html

http://www.huntsvilleal.gov/greenteam/GotCaps2014-15Flier.pdf

https://cws.auburn.edu/AdoptASpot

http://www.cullmantimes.com/community/article_c79af2d0-4324-11e4-9018-370e62b3a1e8.html

http://www.cullmantimes.com/community/article_c79af2d0-4324-11e4-9018-370e62b3a1e8.html

www.alabamacleanair.org



http://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2014/11/governor-bentley-announces-9-6-million-gulf-restoration-projects-alabama/

http://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2014/11/governor-bentley-announces-9-6-million-gulf-restoration-projects-alabama/

http://www.fleetfeetmontgomery.com/community/shoes-for-the-homeless

http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2014/10/doyle_park_cleanup_event_attra.html

http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2014/10/doyle_park_cleanup_event_attra.html

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/29/2014-recycling-and-waste-reduction-summit/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/29/2014-recycling-and-waste-reduction-summit/

http://renewourrivers.com/

http://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2013/11/governor-bentley-announces-three-pilot-gulf-restoration-projects-alabama/

http://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2013/11/governor-bentley-announces-three-pilot-gulf-restoration-projects-alabama/

http://www.dothaneagle.com/news/government/grant-will-help-dothan-purchase-new-recycling-truck/article_036ef1d4-32eb-11e4-8cec-0017a43b2370.html




P G26 | | 2 0 1 4 G R E E N P R O G R E S S R E P O RT | | 2014 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES

BUILDING & DESIGN

Birmingham City Council Rep Outlines Neighborhood Renewal Plan at Clinton Global Initiative Conference+ https://www.clintonfoundation.org/blog/2014/08/07/building-better-brighter-future-north-birmingham

UAB’s Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts Features Water Drain Solutions + http://www.uab.edu/reporter/work-resources/sustainability/item/5278-green-design-treats-stormwater-as-a-resource-instead-of-waste

Rescued Relics Launches Historic Preservation Initiative + http://www.oldalabamatown.com/about-us/rescued-relics

UAH Residence Hall & Greenway Recognized for Excellence in Sustainability + http://www.uah.edu/sustainability/past-and-current-projects/7313-uah-residence-hall-and-greenway-earn-recognition-for-sustainability-excellence

Auburn University and the City of Auburn

Partner to Accelerate Sustainability + http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/6038

Marshall Space Flight Center Building Earns LEED Certification + http://www.waaytv.com/space_alabama/marshall-center-opens-latest-green-building/article_5416f916-2331-11e4-8508-0017a43b2370.html?TNNoMobile

Alabama’s Better Living Expo to Include More Sustainable Practices + http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2014/01/alabamas_better_living_expo_in.html

State’s First LEED Platinum Military Building+ http://gbdmagazine.com/2014/28-jmrh/

LEED Continues to Gain Momentum in Alabama + http://www.usgbc.org/advocacy/state-market-brief

LEED Certified Green Building List for 2014 + http://www.usgbcofal.org/leed-commercial.php

PARKS, TRAILS, & RECREATION

5th Annual Good Life Ride+ http://www.joinacf.org/#!goodliferide/caif

Extending the Civil Rights Trail+ http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2014/03/walk_look_and_learn_extension.html

Toyota Partners with City of Huntsville to Revitalize John Hunt Park+ http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2014/10/03/116427-toyota-partners-with-huntsville-city-to-revitalize-john-hunt-park.html

Red Mountain Park Enlists Goat Herd to Clear Kudzu & Privet from Property+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/08/06/red-mountain-park-enlists-goat-herd-to-clear-park-property-of-kudzu-and-privet/

Pet Waste Stations in Montgomery Parks Help Prevent Water Contamination+ http://www.cleanwaterpartnership.org/news/?newsID=74&date=11/12/2014

Signs for Cyclists Placed from Downtown Huntsville to Monte Sano+ http://landtrustnal.org/monte-sano-trail-signs-installed-city/

Cahaba Blueway Initiative Enhances Nature Based Tourism+ http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/alabama/newsroom/cahaba-blueway-project-announced.xml

Good Roots Awards 38 Grants for Tree Planting + http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/07/17/good-roots-grant-winners-announced-statewide/

Nine Alabama State Parks Earn Certificate of Excellence Awards+ http://www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com/area_news/article_4dcfb62c-515a-11e4-811d-57f8e3cc431c.html

50 Freedom Oak Trees Planted at Red Mountain Park+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/01/16/civic-leaders-saban-announce-plans-to-plant-50-freedom-oaks-at-red-mountain-park/

Red Mountain Park Opens First two Treehouses in Park + mygreenbirmingham.com/event/grand-opening-of-red-mountain-park-treehouses/

Gulf State Park Opens its First Primitive Campsites+ http://www.alapark.com/gulfstate/camping/ More Sidewalks Coming to Village of Spring Hill+ http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2014/10/more_sidewalks_coming_to_villa.html

Beginner Mountain Biking Trail Opens at Chewacla State Park + http://www.oanow.com/news/auburn/article_4f555eb0-7384-11e4-8802-1b4139d84640.html

2014 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES | | 2 0 1 4 G R E E N P R O G R E S S R E P O RT | | P G27

TRANSPORTATION

Alabama Power Expands Electric Vehicles+ http://www.alabamapower.com/environment/electric-transportation/home.asp

Birmingham Receives $125,000 Federal Grant to Study Impacts of I-20/59 Downtown Bridges+ http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/09/birmingham_gets_125000_federal.html

Participants Log 15.6 Million Vehicle Miles Reduced Through CommuteSmart+ CommuteSmart.org

Samford Bike Loan Program+ http://www.samford.edu/gogreen/

Eco-Wheels Features Latest Trends in Alternative Transportation + http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/05/07/eco-wheels-2014-a-slide-show/

CommuteSmart Celebrates National Bike to Work Day+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/05/06/bike-to-work-day/

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY

Toyota Alabama Named Model Plant for Sustainability Efforts+ http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/toyota_alabama_praised_as_mode.html#incart_related_stories

Governor Robert Bentley Signs Proclamation for Small Business Saturday+ http://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2014/11/governor-robert-bentley-signs-proclamation-small-business-saturday/

Alabama’s Honda Plant Remains at Zero-Waste + http://www.madeinalabama.com/2014/10/alabama-auto-facilities-add-green-projects/

New Dunn Building Company Office Building Reflects Commitment to Sustainability + http://www.pepmobile.org/awards-and-recognition/member-environmental-award.html

Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. Awarded For Environmental Remediation Plan + http://www.gmcnetwork.com/files/content/GMC_Receives_2014_PEP_Award_award_link_new.pdf

Honda Teams with AL Institute for Deaf & Blind for Project Green Initiative Green Toyota Engine Plant+ http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/green_huntsville_toyota_engine.html

Vulcan Materials Company Earns Conservation Education Award+ http://ir.vulcanmaterials.com/investor-relations/news-releases/news-details/2014/Vulcan-Materials-Company-Receives-Prestigious-Conservation-Education-Award/default.aspx#sthash.JYRJY7c9.dpuf


Freshwater Land Trust Receives Re-Accreditation in 2014+ http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/why-accreditation-matters/benefits-of-accreditation

Renewable Energy Certificate Program+ http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/11/04/go-green-with-alabama-power-recs/

Mobile Bay National Estuary Program Receives Grant for Stormwater Management System + https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ6WO0BaUQE&feature=youtu.be

Green Coastal Council+ http://www.joinacf.org/#!green-coast-council/c12d8

3 Alabama Schools Receive Green Ribbon Awards from U.S. Dept. of Education+ http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/2014-us-department-education-green-ribbon-schools-and-district-sustainability-aw

Gulf Shores Announces Small Town, Big Beach Vision 2025 for Sustainability + http://blog.al.com/live/2014/05/new_beach_roads_trolley_hospit.html

Auburn Students Partner With Tiger Dining to Bring Local Foods to Campus + http://family.auburn.edu/video/plains-2-plate-tiger-dining-s-newest-option

Mobile Companies Honored for Environmental Stewardship+ http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/04/environmental_stewardship_awar.html

Aclara System Generates Water Savings+ http://www.auburn.edu

EPA Addresses Environmental Issues in North Birmingham + http://www.northbirminghamcoalition.org/cleanup-process.html

Sustainability Roundtable Led by Birmingham Mayor Bell + http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/alabama_progress_report_and_bi.html

Issues & Ales Discussion Hosted by WBHM 90.3 FM + http://www.wbhm.org/News/2014/IssuesAndAles

Birmingham Celebrates Champions of Sustainability + http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/07/photo-gallery-a-look-at-the-2014-champions-of-sustainability/

EPA Awards UA Grant to Design Sustainability Technologies+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/21/epa-awards-univ-of-alabama-with-grant-to-design-sustainable-technologies/

Establishment of Birmingham Lank Bank Authority + http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/07/13/candidates-selected-for-birminghams-first-land-bank-authority/


https://www.clintonfoundation.org/blog/2014/08/07/building-better-brighter-future-north-birmingham

https://www.clintonfoundation.org/blog/2014/08/07/building-better-brighter-future-north-birmingham

http://www.uab.edu/reporter/work-resources/sustainability/item/5278-green-design-treats-stormwater-as-a-resource-instead-of-waste

http://www.uab.edu/reporter/work-resources/sustainability/item/5278-green-design-treats-stormwater-as-a-resource-instead-of-waste

http://www.oldalabamatown.com/about-us/rescued-relics

http://www.uah.edu/sustainability/past-and-current-projects/7313-uah-residence-hall-and-greenway-earn-recognition-for-sustainability-excellence

http://www.uah.edu/sustainability/past-and-current-projects/7313-uah-residence-hall-and-greenway-earn-recognition-for-sustainability-excellence

http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/6038

http://www.waaytv.com/space_alabama/marshall-center-opens-latest-green-building/article_5416f916-2331-11e4-8508-0017a43b2370.html?TNNoMobile

http://www.waaytv.com/space_alabama/marshall-center-opens-latest-green-building/article_5416f916-2331-11e4-8508-0017a43b2370.html?TNNoMobile

http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2014/01/alabamas_better_living_expo_in.html

http://gbdmagazine.com/2014/28-jmrh/

http://www.usgbc.org/advocacy/state-market-brief

http://www.usgbcofal.org/leed-commercial.php

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2014/10/03/116427-toyota-partners-with-huntsville-city-to-revitalize-john-hunt-park.html

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2014/10/03/116427-toyota-partners-with-huntsville-city-to-revitalize-john-hunt-park.html

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/08/06/red-mountain-park-enlists-goat-herd-to-clear-park-property-of-kudzu-and-privet/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/08/06/red-mountain-park-enlists-goat-herd-to-clear-park-property-of-kudzu-and-privet/

http://landtrustnal.org/monte-sano-trail-signs-installed-city/

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/alabama/newsroom/cahaba-blueway-project-announced.xml

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/alabama/newsroom/cahaba-blueway-project-announced.xml

http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/07/17/good-roots-grant-winners-announced-statewide/

http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/07/17/good-roots-grant-winners-announced-statewide/

http://www.joinacf.org/#!goodliferide/caif

http://www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com/area_news/article_4dcfb62c-515a-11e4-811d-57f8e3cc431c.html

http://www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com/area_news/article_4dcfb62c-515a-11e4-811d-57f8e3cc431c.html

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/01/16/civic-leaders-saban-announce-plans-to-plant-50-freedom-oaks-at-red-mountain-park/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/01/16/civic-leaders-saban-announce-plans-to-plant-50-freedom-oaks-at-red-mountain-park/

mygreenbirmingham.com/event/grand-opening-of-red-mountain-park-treehouses/

mygreenbirmingham.com/event/grand-opening-of-red-mountain-park-treehouses/

http://www.alapark.com/gulfstate/camping/

http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2014/10/more_sidewalks_coming_to_villa.html

http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2014/10/more_sidewalks_coming_to_villa.html

http://www.oanow.com/news/auburn/article_4f555eb0-7384-11e4-8802-1b4139d84640.html

http://www.oanow.com/news/auburn/article_4f555eb0-7384-11e4-8802-1b4139d84640.html

http://www.alabamapower.com/environment/electric-transportation/home.asp

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/09/birmingham_gets_125000_federal.html

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/09/birmingham_gets_125000_federal.html

CommuteSmart.org

http://www.samford.edu/gogreen/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/05/07/eco-wheels-2014-a-slide-show/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/05/06/bike-to-work-day/

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/toyota_alabama_praised_as_mode.html#incart_related_stories

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/toyota_alabama_praised_as_mode.html#incart_related_stories

http://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2014/11/governor-robert-bentley-signs-proclamation-small-business-saturday/

http://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2014/11/governor-robert-bentley-signs-proclamation-small-business-saturday/

http://www.madeinalabama.com/2014/10/alabama-auto-facilities-add-green-projects/

http://www.madeinalabama.com/2014/10/alabama-auto-facilities-add-green-projects/

http://www.pepmobile.org/awards-and-recognition/member-environmental-award.html

http://www.pepmobile.org/awards-and-recognition/member-environmental-award.html

http://www.gmcnetwork.com/files/content/GMC_Receives_2014_PEP_Award_award_link_new.pdf

http://www.gmcnetwork.com/files/content/GMC_Receives_2014_PEP_Award_award_link_new.pdf

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/green_huntsville_toyota_engine.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/green_huntsville_toyota_engine.html

http://ir.vulcanmaterials.com/investor-relations/news-releases/news-details/2014/Vulcan-Materials-Company-Receives-Prestigious-Conservation-Education-Award/default.aspx#sthash.JYRJY7c9.dpuf



http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/why-accreditation-matters/benefits-of-accreditation

http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/why-accreditation-matters/benefits-of-accreditation

http://alabamapowernews.com/2014/11/04/go-green-with-alabama-power-recs/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ6WO0BaUQE&feature=youtu.be

http://www.joinacf.org/#!green-coast-council/c12d8

http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/2014-us-department-education-green-ribbon-schools-and-district-sustainability-aw

http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/2014-us-department-education-green-ribbon-schools-and-district-sustainability-aw

http://blog.al.com/live/2014/05/new_beach_roads_trolley_hospit.html

http://family.auburn.edu/video/plains-2-plate-tiger-dining-s-newest-option

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/04/environmental_stewardship_awar.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/04/environmental_stewardship_awar.html

http://www.auburn.edu

http://www.northbirminghamcoalition.org/cleanup-process.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/alabama_progress_report_and_bi.html

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/alabama_progress_report_and_bi.html

http://www.wbhm.org/News/2014/IssuesAndAles



http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/21/epa-awards-univ-of-alabama-with-grant-to-design-sustainable-technologies/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/10/21/epa-awards-univ-of-alabama-with-grant-to-design-sustainable-technologies/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/07/13/candidates-selected-for-birminghams-first-land-bank-authority/

http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2014/07/13/candidates-selected-for-birminghams-first-land-bank-authority/

2014 Alabama Green Progress Report

Environment

Transcript of 2014 Alabama Green Progress Report