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2015GREEN PROGRESS REPORT

2015 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 Green Progress Report, compiled by the Green Resource Center for

Alabama (GRCA), features the many important developments helping to make

Alabama a greener place to live, work, and play. Contributors aim to share and

promote a wide range of successes that demonstrate the many advances in green

efforts and sustainable progress continuing all across the state. The report aims to

serve future generations with a collective testimony of the many ways people all

around Alabama have worked to ensure sustainable progress. The following pages

highlight some of the most notable progress in 2015.

TOP 2015 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 5

PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATIONPAG ES 6 -7

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PAG ES 8 -10

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY PAGE 11

BUILDING & DESIGN PAG ES 12-13

TRANSPORTATION PAG ES 14-15

LAND CONSERVATION & PRESERVATION PAGES 16- 18

ENERGY EFFICIENCY PAGE 19

RECYCLING & CLEANUPS PAGES 20- 21

SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS & INITIATIVES PAGES 22- 24

2015 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES PAGES 26- 31

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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TOP 2015 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

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BIRMINGHAM EARNS 3-STAR COMMUNITY RATING FOR SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIPIn April, Birmingham was awarded a 3-STAR Community Rating for sustainability leadership and its commitment to progress and responsible stewardship of resources. Birmingham became the first community from Alabama to achieve certification under the national STAR Community Rating System (STAR). The STAR Community Rating System is a sustainability rating system for cities, towns, and counties, which helps communities evaluate themselves across seven areas related to sustainability, such as built environment, economy and jobs, health and safety, and natural systems. Partners from community agencies, corporations, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham worked with city staff to compile necessary data required for certification.

MOBILE & PRICHARD AL AMONG 22 COMMUNITIES SELECTED NATIONALLY TO RECEIVE EPA ASSISTANCE TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABILITY GOALSThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Mobile and Prichard, AL are among 22 communities nationally selected to receive technical assistance to pursue development strategies that support smart growth and sustainability goals and encourage local economic development. EPA selected this year’s recipients from among 121 applicants to the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. EPA staff and national experts will conduct one to two-day workshops in the communities that focus on the specific sustainability tool each community requested in its application to EPA.

ALABAMA POWER APPROVED FOR GENERATION OF UP TO 500 MW OF RENEWABLE SOURCES In 2015, the Alabama Public Service Commission voted to approve a proposal by Alabama Power to construct up to 500 megawatts of renewable energy generation projects in the state over the next six years. The plan allows Alabama Power to build its own renewable projects or purchase power from other renewable-generated sources. The company has identified solar as one of the areas for potential growth in renewables. 500 megawatts of solar power is enough renewable energy to serve about 100,000 homes during an hour of peak sun intensity on cloudless days.

R A IL R OA D PARK , BIRMINGHAM, AL

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P G6 | | 2 0 1 5 G R E E N P R O G R E S S R E P O RT | | PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION

PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION

GOOD ROOTS AWARDS 44 GRANTS FOR TREE PLANTING

In 2015, the Alabama Power Foundation awarded 44 Good Roots grants totaling more than $40,000 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.

RED ROCK TRAIL EXPANSION CONTINUES

Efforts to expand greenways, and walking and biking trails in Jefferson County continued to move forward in 2015 under the Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail Network initiative. A significant section of the Jones Valley Trail, east of downtown Birmingham, opened to public use in 2015 and will soon connect to the under-construction Rotary Trail, linking back to Railroad Park. Also, construction neared completion on sections of the “High-Ore Line” that will eventually link the north side of Red Mountain Park to several Birmingham neighborhoods and communities in Midfield.

GRANT FROM JANE K. LOWE FOUNDATION HELPS LAND TRUST OF NORTH ALABAMA CREATE FIRST ADA-COMPLIANT TRAIL

The Land Trust of North Alabama received a $26,000 grant from the Jane K. Lowe Foundation to create its first ADA-compliant trail at Harvest Square Nature Preserve. The ½ mile hardpack trail will edge the larger of the two fishing ponds and will create a loop back to the environmental education pavilion. The hardpack will also prepare the path for future paving.

PAVILION ADDED TO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PARK | | C R E D I T: L A N D T R U ST O F N O RT H A L A B A M A

POPULAR HIKING SPOT ENHANCED WITH MAJOR PAVILIONA new 20’ x 40’ covered pavilion was installed in popular Rainbow Mountain Park in Madison, Alabama. The project was spearheaded by Madison County Commissioner Steve Haraway, a partnership between Madison County, the Land Trust of North Alabama, and the city of Madison. The new community structure offers picnic tables, electricity, and signature benches provided by the Madison Beautification Board and is adjacent to the 3.04 miles of trails maintained by the Land Trust. The grand opening was held in October.

NEW HIKING TRAIL ON FOREVER WILD WEHLE TRACT IN BULLOCK COUNTY

The Alabama State Lands Division has opened a new hiking trail on the Forever Wild Wehle Tract Nature Preserve and Recreation Area in Bullock County. The trail is blazed in white and is open year-round during daylight hours. The Wehle Tract day-use hiking trail was created to help fulfill the Forever Wild Land Trust mission of increasing access to public lands for all Alabamians. Additionally, the Wehle Tract is home to the Wehle Land Conservation Center (WLCC), which provides outdoor educational and recreational opportunities throughout the year including a series of free “open trails” weekends.

NEW ALABAMA PARK COALITION MAKES IT EASY TO SUPPORT STATE PARKS

Alabama Parks Partners is a new coalition of park supporters with a mission to support Alabama’s beautiful 22 State Parks — now and into the future. The diverse, statewide coalition is comprised of local businesses, organizations, nonprofits, local tourism, and chambers of commerce, student groups, and others who have a passion for Alabama’s state parks. The group places a strong emphasis on the value of our state park system and the importance of offering continual support. The group’s website offers key information about the Parks Budget & Economic Impact, AL State Park News, and Upcoming Events. Visitors to the site can also view the AL State Park 75th Anniversary Report.

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PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION

TEN ALABAMA STATE PARKS AWARDED TRIPADVISOR© CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

Ten Alabama state parks were awarded the 2015 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor©, a travel website featuring traveler-generated content and reviews. The award celebrates establishments that provide excellent guest experiences and consistently achieve positive reviews on the TripAdvisor© website, tripadvisor.com. The 2015 Certificate of Excellence winners for Alabama State Parks are DeSoto, Gulf, Joe Wheeler, Monte Sano, Cathedral Caverns, Cheaha, Chewacla, Lake Guntersville, Oak Mountain, and Wind Creek.

LAND WATER AND CONSERVATION FUND AWARDS GRANTS TO FOUR STATE PARKS

Four of Alabama’s State Parks were awarded grants between $50,000-$56,007 for improve-ments and renovations within the parks.

• DeSoto State Park - $56,007 to renovate a bathroom, improve picnic areas and resurface parking areas.

• Guntersville State Park - $50,000 to build a water feature play area and a dog park.

• Cheaha State Park - $50,000 to refurbish playground equipment, pavilions, and bathrooms.

• Wind Creek State Park - $51,750 for playground equipment.

C R E D I T: F R E S H WAT E R L A N D T R U ST

GOOD LIFE RIDEThe Alabama Coastal Foundation partnered with the Good Life Foundation and the Baldwin County Trailblazers for the 6th annual Good Life Ride. Participants choose from four different ride options: a 62-mile ride leaving Pro Cycle & Tri in Fairhope, a 40-mile ride leaving from Page and Palette in Fairhope, a 20-mile ride leaving from the Magnolia Springs Fire Station, or an 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. In 2015, 214 riders participated which is a 20% increase from the previous year.

OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK OFFERS VISITORS A NEW WAY TO CAMP

Oak Mountain State Park partnered with Idlewild Adventure Company, a Birmingham-based outdoor adventure company, to bring park visitors a whole new way to camp. Tentsile camping allows campers to sleep suspended approximately four feet above the ground in a tree tent system, a cross between a tree house and a large hammock. For the Oak Mountain camping experience,

Idlewild offers two Tentsile models: the Stingray, which comfortably sleeps up to three adults (or two adults and two children) and the Connect, which sleeps up to two adults. These models can be combined to create a tree tent village that sleeps up to 12 people.

6TH A NNUAL GO O D LIFE RIDE | | C R E D I T: A L A B A M A COA STA L F O U N DAT I O N

TENTS IL E CAMP ING AT OAK MO UNTAIN STATE PARK | | C R E D I T: O U T D O O R A L A B A M A

ROTARY TRAIL

The Rotary Club of Birmingham has continued making progress with its centennial anniversary project, the Rotary Trail, in downtown Birmingham. Rotary members raised more than $4 million for the project and partnered with the City of Birmingham for its construction and future maintenance. The Freshwater Land Trust has also played an important role in the planning process. This public-private partnership will not only support outdoor family recreation but also improve the community’s water quality through an appropriate stormwater drainage system. The trail runs along the historic “cut,” of an abandoned rail line that is 16 feet below street level plagued by crumbling concrete and graffiti. Mostly hidden from view, this site was once a forgotten part of Birmingham and only served as a water wasteland, draining nonpoint source pollution from the streets of Birmingham directly into Valley Creek. The new trail, along with the green vegetation located along its corridor, will now allow for the filtration of sediment, oil, and other stormwater runoff before it flows into Valley Creek and eventually into the Black Warrior River. In 2015, the Rotary Club of Birmingham was honored as Water Conservationist of the Year.

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ADEM HOSTS EARTH DAY EVENT FOR STUDENTS

For the fourth consecutive year, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) hosted local students for an Earth Day event at its central office in Montgomery. Students received guided tours and learned about air monitoring, the collection of water quality data, fish tissue monitoring, recycling, solid/hazardous waste disposal, and efforts to ensure Alabama citizens have access to clean, safe drinking water. Over 200 students were able to interact with ADEM staff members to learn about environmental protection as well as career opportunities in the environmental and science field. Also, for the first time, Earth Day was taken “on the road” to Selma, where more than 200 elementary school children learned from ADEM about the same topics.

BIGFOOT BIO BASH, A CONSERVATION FESTIVAL

On November 21, Cheaha State Park hosted a conservation festival, The Bigfoot Bio Bash, to educate people about conservation principles, promote practices for leave no trace, and celebrate the grand opening of a new trail built in partnership with Leave No Trace. Bigfoot Bio Bash included a 5K & 1-mile fun run, conservation exhibits, guided hikes, archery instruction, and live birds of prey demonstration. Exhibitors for the festival included US Forest Service, Talladega District, Cleburne Search and Rescue, Alabama Trails Magazine, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Alabama Wildlife Center, JSU Biology Department, Valkyries Austere Medical Solutions & Camp McDowell.

BIRMINGHAM BUTTERFLY EDUCATION AND AWARENESS DAY

Birmingham’s Butterfly Education and Awareness Day was hosted on June 13th, in cooperation with the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham Zoo, Ruffner Mountain, Alabama Wildlife Center, and McWane Science Center. Each year, the Association for Butterflies, a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of butterflies through conservation, research, and promotion of butterfly gardening and butterfly farmers, celebrates Butterfly Education Awareness Day on the first Saturday of June. This year, five of Birmingham’s most recognizable cultural institutions chose the second weekend of the month to bring the same celebration to the Magic City as part of The Gardens’ “Get Into The Gardens” series.

ADEM PROVIDES TRAINING TO EDUCATE CITIZENS ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL TOOLS

ADEM hosted a public workshop to provide Alabamians with information on how to stay aware of environmental issues in their local communities. The workshop, which was held in Birmingham at Lawson State Community College, highlighted three systems that can be accessed through the ADEM website. The e-complaint system allows individuals to submit environmental complaints electronically. While the eFile system is an electronic filing system that gives individuals access to over 1.5 million documents (permits—inspection reports—enforcement actions). In addition, the What’s Happening in Your County feature allows individuals to access permit applications that have recently been filed, press releases, and public notices announcing opportunities for public comment. Attendees were provided with hands-on demonstrations of how these systems work, how data can be entered, and how data can be retrieved.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

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COMPETITION CHALLENGES STUDENTS TO CREATE CLEAN ENERGY | | C R E D I T: A L A B A M A C E N T E R F O R S U STA I N A B L E E N E R GY

SWITCH BLADE COMPETITIONThe Alabama Center for Sustainable Energy (ACSE) launched its first Switch Blade Competition, a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education effort to engage the next generation in the challenge of making Alabama powered by 100% clean energy. The competition challenged high school and college students to redesign and manufacture the blades of a military wind power system originally designed for the high-speed winds of Afghanistan. The team that produced the most electricity at low speeds, more indicative of Alabama wins. The four North Alabama competing teams were the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH), Hartselle High School, Columbia High School, and Alabama A&M. Each school was given a stipend of $500 to develop an updated windmill that would work in Alabama’s low-power wind conditions. Team UAH won the Switch Blade Competition -- their blades outperformed the manufacturer’s design by 44%.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

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SEA LEVEL RISE WORKSHOPS

The Alabama Coastal Foundation was the engagement specialist for the two-year “Connecting Science to Citizens Regarding Sea Level Rise Tools” grant from the Gulf of Mexico Alliance. The goal of this project is to improve decision making to protect local infrastructure and human and ecological resources affected by sea level rise. The Project Partners conducted focus group discussions in Weeks Bay, Alabama; Grand Bay, Mississippi; and Apalachicola Bay, Florida. In 2015, the Alabama Coastal Foundation hosted five workshops throughout the Gulf.

C R E D I T: A L A B A M A COA STA L F O U N DAT I O N

CHILDREN LEARN SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH URBAN FARM CAMP

Birmingham Botanical Gardens hosted its first camp aimed at reconnecting children with their food supply. Gail Pless, master gardener, educator and docent of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for 15 years, led the week-long day camp, which promoted the importance of organic, seasonal, and locally grown food. During the week, the camp used games to teach kids complicated topics, including the food chain system. Campers took a trip across the road to the Birmingham Zoo to learn about butterflies and other pollinators. They also made worm bins to create nutrient-rich compost and tested soil for pH, texture and fertilization.

MOBILE AND BALDWIN COUNTY WATER FESTIVALS

With the help of many partners, the Alabama Coastal Foundation conducted water festivals in both Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Every spring, water festivals provide fourth-grade students with hands-on activities such as building a watershed or examining water pollutants and filtration processes. ACF works with community partners on these events to teach students about our coastal food web, appreciating good water quality and the effects of human actions on aquatic ecology.

STUDENTS TO STEWARDS

In 2015, schools and nonprofit organizations across the state were awarded conservation education grants through the Alabama Power Foundation’s new “Students to Stewards” program. The Students to Stewards grants, totaling more than $50,000, are awarded to fund a range of projects, from outdoor classrooms, to field studies, to the purchase of conservation-related classroom materials. Through a competitive application process, Students to Stewards provides support for educational programs designed to teach students about the importance of our state’s ecosystems. The program is aimed at expanding education initiatives to build awareness and appreciation for Alabama’s natural resources.

GONE FISHIN’, NOT JUST WISHIN’

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources teamed up with numerous partners to host the 21st annual Gone Fishin’, Not Just Wishin’ event May 13-15. The event teaches students with special needs from the Shelby and Jefferson County school systems the art of fishing. The lake is stocked with catfish and bass in an enclosed area. Children with learning disabilities and physical disabilities learned from fishing professionals, and all students were able to catch a fish; for many it was their first time fishing. Students also participated in art projects, performed with local musicians, listened to storytellers, and learned aspects of water safety.

UAB SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS LEAD TO CLEANER CAMPUS & $13.5 MILLION IN SAVINGS

Through energy efficiency measures, water-capture systems, and other initiatives, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has cut energy use by 10 percent and water use by 15 percent at both the campus and UAB Hospital. Those efforts alone represent an annual savings of more than $13.5 million in energy and water bills. The on-campus steam plant that provides heat and instrument sterilization to 29 buildings on campus now runs off natural gas instead of the coal that fired the old Powell Steam Plant across from Railroad Park. The new plant also features a state-of-the-art condensate recovery system to maximize efficiency and save thousands in water costs by returning used steam as water back to the furnace.

LAWSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ENVIRONMENTAL AMBASSADORS BENEFIT FROM INTERN OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Students at Lawson State Community College were offered the opportunity to serve as ‘environmental ambassadors’ and receive internship opportunities through a new partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Lawson State President Perry Ward and EPA Regional Administrator Heather McTeer Toney. Under the agreement, students will have access to summer EPA internships along with joint projects between Lawson State and the federal agency. EPA officials said the Lawson agreement is part of the agency’s effort to establish partnerships with colleges and universities in the southeast to create a diverse pool of qualified graduates to address environmental challenges.

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THE BROWN BAG LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES

Friends of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in partnership with the Jefferson County Stormwater Program and the City of Birmingham Stormwater Management Department created a series of 12 free informational seminars called The Brown Bag Series. The seminars were held at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and were open to all residents of Jefferson County. Topics aimed to be of practical application to homeowners, included the stormwater benefits to low impact landscape designs, proper planting and gardening techniques, and prudent use of fertilizers and pesticides. Among the seminars were “Drink your garden,” “Curb Appeal,” and “Backyard Habitats.” The 2015 series drew 360 participants.

NATUREPLEX GRAND OPENING

This year, the Alabama Wildlife Federation recently opened its new NaturePlex at the Alabama Nature Center at Lanark in Millbrook. The NaturePlex will serve as AWF’s official welcome and education center. The 23,000-square-foot, $5.5 million facility will include a 100-seat theater/auditorium equipped with the 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. The AWF board expects the opening of NaturePlex will increase visitation by 50 percent; meaning close to 275,000 visitors will learn to become stewards of Alabama’s natural resources.

2015 BIRMINGHAM STORMWATER CALENDAR

The City of Birmingham Stormwater Management, in partnership with the Jefferson County Stormwater Program, created and printed a 12-month 2015 stormwater calendar. Complaint reporting of pollution and sanitary sewer overflow reporting information was made available along with other local related information. The Clean Water Awareness Campaign posters were utilized as the artwork for each month on the calendar addressing the proper use of yard chemicals, proper disposal of pet waste and used cooking oil, proper care and maintenance of vehicles and other machinery, and the impacts litter and trash have on our waterways. Important environmental tips and dates of activities for those who wanted to get involved in environmental stewardship were also provided.

GOOD FOOD DAY AT EAT SOUTH

Good Food Day is an educational, hands-on field trip designed for students to experience the entire seed-to-plate process on a sustainable urban farm. During the trip, students learn about sustainable farming, ecology, and nutrition. Good Food Day is conducted in the Children’s Garden at the Downtown Farm. In this area, school children taste and smell a variety of vegetables and herbs that they may not otherwise be exposed to. During Good Food Days, the Downtown Farm becomes an outdoor classroom to actively demonstrate sustainable farming. When complete, the Downtown Farm will host fruit orchards, crops of historical significance, grains, and a berry patch, as well as an outdoor teaching kitchen to further the knowledge of and enthusiasm for local food. From January to November 2015, 1,664 students from local Montgomery public schools, private/charter schools, and homeschool programs participated in Good Food Day field trips.

GOOD FOOD DAY AT EAT SOUTH | | C R E D I T: E AT S O U T H

THREE ALABAMA K-12 SCHOOLS NAMED 2015 GREEN RIBBON SCHOOLS

Lincoln Elementary School and Lincoln High School in the Talladega County system and Bluff Park Elementary in Hoover have been named as Alabama’s 2015 Green Ribbon Schools for their efforts to improve the environment and promote environmental and outdoor education. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement. Each of Alabama’s winners now will be considered for national “Green Ribbon School” status.

AUBURN EARNS RECOGNITION BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AS ALABAMA’S FIRST & ONLY GREEN RIBBON UNIVERSITY

For the first time, the state education department this year partnered with the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to nominate a university for the national Green Ribbon Awards given out by the U.S. Department of Education. Auburn University was selected in part for integrating an environmental sustainability policy into many aspects of campus life, including its strategic plan, campus master plan, landscape and stormwater management plans, climate action plan and Parkerson Mill Creek Watershed Management Plan.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

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TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CELEBRATE NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY WITH TRAIL VOLUNTEER WORKClose to 100 workers from Huntsville’s Toyota Motor Manufacturing Plant helped celebrate National Public Lands Day by volunteering to update the Land Trust of North Alabama Monte Sano Nature Preserve’s premier trailhead. The engine plant also donated $10,000 to the Land Trust of North Alabama, which helps maintain trails and state parks. Teams installed interpretive signage for the 1,100 acre Nature Preserve, built picnic tables, renovated the environmental education pavilion, rerouted a trail, and repaired a major pedestrian bridge damaged by a storm-damaged tree.

LAND TRUST OF NORTH ALABAMA PARTNERS WITH HUNTSVILLE’S FIRST WHOLE FOODSHuntsville’s first Whole Foods is working alongside the Land Trust of North Alabama to highlight the need for land preservation, as well as the importance of saving wildlife habitat and freshwater resources. In 2015, the Land Trust hosted two team building days for new Whole Foods managers who worked outdoors on two Nature Preserves. The Land Trust will receive donations from the new store’s first 5% day and has been asked to present a Saturday Kid’s Club puppet show.

HOLCIM INC. RECEIVES GULF GUARDIAN AWARD FOR ELIMINATING STORMWATER DISCHARGES FROM THEODORE, ALThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of Mexico Program recognized Holcim Inc., with the First Place 2015 Gulf Guardian Award in the Business and Industry Category. In 1999, Holcim, which operates a cement plant in Theodore, AL, initiated a stormwater management program at its Theodore Plant that eliminated discharges into the Theodore Industrial Canal. A team of plant managers and process engineers began collecting stormwater and using it as cooling/conditioning water in the production process, saving 88 million gallons of captured stormwater from being discharged into the canal and reducing the facility’s dependence on municipal water for process gas conditioning.

TOYOTA HONORED FOR COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCEThis year, the Toyota automotive company won its 11th consecutive Energy Star Partner of the Year award, the most by any automaker. Toyota’s engine plant in Huntsville was among North American manufacturing facilities recently honored for environmental sustainability by the EPA. Toyota said it has saved nearly $600 million, reduced 14 billion kilowatt hours of energy and cut CO2 emissions by 40 percent per vehicle since benchmarking began in 2002. Toyota Motor Manufacturing on Cottonvalley Drive was recognized for its efforts to protect the environment through “superior energy efficiency.” The Energy Star award is the highest level of EPA recognition. Recent activities in Huntsville include:

• Saved 300,000 gallons of water a year - enough to fill half of an Olympic-size swimming pool - by reusing compressor condensate water in the cooling tower. The tower accounts for nearly 50 percent of the facility’s water use.

• Switched to higher-efficiency motors and used compressed air more efficiently.

• Installed LED lighting, solar lights and daylighting to reduce purchased electricity.

• All environmental projects - part of a $1 million investment to make the plant more sustainable – result in an annual saving of more than 3.3 million kilowatts hours, equal to 125 average U.S. homes and reducing more than 2,000 metric tons of CO2.

C R E D I T: TOYOTA M OTO R M A N U FACT U R I N G A L A B A M A

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY | | 2 0 1 5 G R E E N P R O G R E S S R E P O RT | | PG11

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BUILDING & DESIGN

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ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY FOR TOMORROW

Energy Sustainability for Tomorrow is a new project from Alabama Center for Sustainable Energy (ACSE), located in Huntsville. The project, supported by the Toyota USA Foundation, is an educational initiative to teach the next generation about sustainable energy through a hands-on program to design and construct “net zero energy” or off-grid tiny homes. The goal is to help create a sustainable energy curriculum for up to 10,000 students living in Madison County. Community partners include James Clemens High School, where select students will participate in building at least two net-zero energy tiny homes.

TOP 100 GREEN BUILDINGS CONTRACTORS INCLUDE FOUR ALABAMA COMPANIES

This year, the Engineering News Record (ENR) included four Alabama-based builders on its 2015 list of Top 100 Green Buildings Contractors. As a group, the top 100 generated $48.71 billion in contracting revenue in 2014 from projects registered with and actively seeking certification from third-party ratings groups under objective sustainable-design standards, such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The 2015 Alabama-based builders on list are:

•Brasfield&GorrieLLC,Birmingham,Ala.(#17)• B.L.HarbertInternationalLLC,Birmingham,Ala.(#23)• CaddellConstructionCo.(DE)LLC,Montgomery,Ala.(#33)• Robins&Morton,Birmingham,Ala.(#88)

STUDE NTS LEARN TO CO N STRUCT NET-ZERO ENERGY HOMES | | C R E D I T: A L A B A M A C E N T E R F O R S U STA I N A B L E E N E R GY

BUILDING & DESIGN | | 2 0 1 5 G R E E N P R O G R E S S R E P O RT | | PG13

BUILDING & DESIGN

THREE BIRMINGHAM WOMEN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND GREENBUILD 2015

Three women from the Birmingham area were awarded scholarships to attend the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, held in Washington DC in November. All three are actively involved in sustainable approaches to improving the health and livability of their community, with green building and sustainable business options for all residents. Only 80 individuals were awarded these competitive scholarships in 2015, out of hundreds who applied from all around the world. At the Community and Affordable Homes Summit they learned from experienced community developers who provided cases studies and lessons learned from local green building projects all over the county.

LEARNING ABOUT LEED: ROBINS & MORTON HOSTS STUDENT GREEN BUILDING DISCUSSION AND TOUR OF LEED® GOLD CORPORATE OFFICE

This past spring, Samford University interior architecture students visited Robins & Morton’s corporate office, a LEED® Gold certified building, to learn more about sustainable building practices and LEED certification. Samford students first toured the office in 2012. The class’s instructor Charles Ford has coordinated with Robins & Morton to make these visits possible. “It’s important to invest in students and stress the importance of sustainable building,” Green said. “By showing them a physical product and tangible statistics of why it’s beneficial, it helps support the green building mission.”

2015 LEED PROJECTS AND PEOPLE IN ALABAMA

In 2015, the Alabama green building market continued to develop, with 17 projects certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) third-party certification system. From single-family residences to interior retail space, new construction and existing buildings, Huntsville to Mobile. A total of 1,289,763 square feet of space in Alabama was certified in the past year. Over 70 professionals in Alabama who have made a commitment to sustainability-focused design, construction, and operations were awarded their credentials as LEED Green Associates or LEED Accredited Professionals in 2015, joining hundreds of others in our state working on sustainable building projects in the region and all over the world.

ROBINS & MORTON ACHIEVES THREE AWARDS HIGHLIGHTING COMMITMENT TO GREEN BUILDING

For many years, construction manager Robins & Morton has been a committed to sustainable construction and operational practices. Their dedication to sustainable construction was exemplified this year with receipt of three green building awards. Building Design + Construction ranked Robins & Morton a Top Green Building Construction Firm, Engineering News Record also named Robins & Morton a Top 100 Green Building Contractor, and Modern Healthcare announced Robins & Morton as one of the design and construction companies listed with “Most Active in LEED Projects.” Their first LEED project was the Gold level certification of their corporate office in Birmingham in 2009. Since then, the company has built a number of LEED and Green Globes projects and proves to be a leader within the green building community.

C R E D I T: U S G B C A L A B A M A

C R E D I T: R O B I N S & M O RTO N

TRANSPORTATION

COMMUTESMART, REV BIRMINGHAM LAUNCH ZYP, BIRMINGHAM’S NEW BIKESHARE PROGRAMAs part of a banner year, CommuteSmart helped create the first bikeshare program in Alabama. ZYP Bikeshare, an initiative of REV Birmingham, is the first of its kind to employ electric pedal assist bikes in North America and South America and fifth in the world. In 2013, CommuteSmart funded a study into the feasibility of introducing a bikeshare program in the Birmingham area. The positive findings of this research and hard work of former CommuteSmart program manager and current director of Zyp Bikeshare, Lindsey West, led to its launch in October of 2015. Since the launch, 2,543 annual and casual members of Zyp BikeShare have traveled over 13,800 miles during more than 15,800 rides. The system is available 24 hours a day/seven days a week.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS FIRST AMONG STATE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES TO RECEIVE A BICYCLE FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY DESIGNATION Auburn University earned a Silver rating Bicycle Friendly University designation from The League of American Bicyclists. The school is the first university in Alabama to be named and joins more than 100 colleges and universities across the United States that are working to transform their campuses. The designation gives Auburn access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League of American Bicyclists to become even more bicycle-friendly.

COMMUTESMART PROGRAM REDUCES OVER 15 MILLION MILES FOR THIRD YEAR For the third time, participants in the CommuteSmart program documented over 15 million miles of reduced vehicle travel. The steady level of reduced vehicle miles occurred even though gas prices dropped by nearly $1 per gallon. By eliminating 15.3 million commuting miles the program reduced over 5,000 tons of air pollution, while saving participants up to an estimated $6.5 million in vehicle fuel and maintenance costs. CommuteSmart, administered by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, encourages commuting via vanpool, carpool, bicycle, walking, telecommuting and public transit by offering incentives such as cash and gift cards.

B IR M INGHAM WELCO MES CITY-WIDE BIKESHARE PROGRAM | | C R E D I T: CO M M U T E S M A RT

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TRANSPORTATION

MONTGOMERY INCLUDED IN BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA 2015 BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY AWARDS The City of Montgomery was one of only two cities in the state to be recognized as a 2015 Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program.Developing a cyclist-friendly community has been a priority for the City of Montgomery’s planning and engineering departments and the Strange administration. City of Montgomery Planning Director Robert Smith presented a case study at the 2014 and 2015 Alabama Bike Summits outlining the City’s path to building the best bicycle facilities in the state. The path began with the Hall Street Bicycle Lanes project in one of Montgomery’s central neighborhoods where planners, engineers, and public works crews converted a four-lane road into a two-lane, quarter-mile route shared by bicyclists and motorists connecting historic Centennial Hill, Alabama State University and Oak Park. It features extensive safety provisions, including solid white pavement markers to deflect cyclists from drop inlets.

UAB HYDROGEN FUEL CELL BUS TO JOIN LOCAL MAX FLEETUnited States Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx helped UAB and the MAX bus line, unveil a state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell bus. The innovative and environmentally friendly bus, which will operate on MAX’s downtown routes, is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and produces no tailpipe emissions. With only a few such buses operating in the world, Birmingham will be home to the only hydrogen fuel cell bus and fueling station in the Southeast. The new bus is the culmination of years of research and development. Funding was provided by the Federal Transit Administration through an initial $2-million grant to the UAB Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, initiated by Senator Richard Shelby. The program, led by UAB, is a collaboration among several partners, including MAX, the Center for Transportation and the Environment, Embedded Power Controls, and EVAmerica. The bus is unique in that it was designed and built entirely by partners based in the Southeast.

ADEM EFFORT REDUCES DIESEL EMISSIONSThe ADEM partnered with the Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) in Mobile to reduce diesel emissions by using funding under the Diesel Emission Reduction Act. ADEM has been awarded funds for the State Clean Diesel Program and has chosen to apply those funds in areas that show the highest air pollutant levels. The ASPA utilizes a fleet of diesel locomotives to transport materials and has agreed to partner with ADEM to install automatic shutdown and start-up systems on several locomotives in order to reduce diesel emissions. The Port Authority expended approximately $46,000, and the grant from ADEM added $31,000 to retrofit four of ASPA’s diesel locomotives with idle control systems that have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These units help reduce emissions by reducing the amount of time the locomotives spend idling. The automatic shutdown and start-up technology grant will upgrade four locomotives on the Port Authority’s Terminal Railway. Over the past seven years, the Department has provided over $2.3 million to assist with retrofitting diesel engines to reduce air emissions and improve air quality. The ability to reduce air emissions from diesel vehicles is just one part of the Department’s overall efforts to ensure all Alabamians have access to clean air. In 2015, ADEM met the requirements of the Federal Energy Policy Act to acquire alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs).

PLANT FARLEY UNVEILS ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES The Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant near Dothan, Ala., unveiled dual charging stations for ten electric and/or plug-in hybrid vehicles for energy-conscious employees to charge their vehicles while they work. Plant Farley leadership made the decision to install the charging stations based on requests from employees. The stations are the first to be installed at the company’s three nuclear sites.

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HOWARD FAMILY DONATES 167 ACRES TO HELP FRESHWATER LAND TRUST PRESERVE THE CAHABA RIVER

For many years, James and Olivia Howard have wanted to permanently preserve their legacy and their land on a section of the Cahaba River. This year, they achieved their goals by donating 167 acres on the Cahaba River to Freshwater Land Trust (FWLT). The site is surrounded by the Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area, 41,500 acres of land along the Cahaba in Bibb and Shelby Counties used for outdoor recreation and is located downstream from the Living River Retreat, a nonprofit organization located on the Cahaba. The property protects more than one mile of river frontage and serves as a significant forested buffer for the Cahaba. With this generous donation, FWLT now owns and manages 580 acres, encompassing over 10 miles on the Cahaba River.

THE HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN TRILLIUM COLLECTION

The Trillium Collection in the Holmes Trillium Garden at the Huntsville Botanical Garden has achieved Plant Collections Network (formerly NAPCC) Accreditation. This garden is a shady sanctuary for over 28 Eastern US species and over 200 selected forms and cultivars of trillium, containing almost every known species from the Tennessee Valley and surrounding regions. The 15 collections include educational displays ranging from species collections, sequence of bloom, to companion plants. The Plant Collections Network has deemed it “by far the most extensive public collection of Eastern North American native trillium.” This collection will be a national resource for conservation, education and research of trillium species. Further measures are being taken to safeguard this flagship collection, transfer critical documentation, and develop interpretive materials to maximize its educational value.

LAND CONSERVATION & PRESERVATION

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THE CENTENNIAL TREE PROGRAMThe Centennial Tree Program at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) works to plant locally-sourced native tree seedlings for the restoration of the urban forest and to educate the public on the importance of these plantings. Since 2009, over 2500 seedlings have been planted in local parks, tornado damaged areas, and riparian sites. In 2015, planting partners included The Cahaba River Society, The Friends of the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, Friends of Avondale Park, Birmingham Audubon Society, Homewood Environmental Commission, The Edgewood Garden Club, Red Mountain Park, Samford University and numerous private citizens. Seeds were collected from trees known to be remnants of the original forest, germinated, planted and grown in containers at the BBG. Field plantings of over 800 seedlings of hickory, ash, maple, hornbeam, alder and many species of oak took place in October and November, bringing the total for 2015 to over 900.

C ENTE NNIAL TREE P RO GRAM HELPS RESTORE LOCAL URBAN FORESTS | | C R E D I T: T H E B I R M I N G H A M B OTA N I CA L G A R D E N S

OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK CONTINUES DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Oak Mountain State Park has been managing their deer population for more than ten years. Initial surveys conducted found that the Oak Mountain deer herd was causing serious damage to wildflowers, trees and shrubs as a result of feeding on park vegetation. In turn, populations of small mammals and nesting birds were negatively affected. An ongoing independent study reveals a higher percentage of seedlings have survived since the hunts were implemented in 2004. Wildlife experts point to Oak Mountain State Park as a textbook case of how deer tend to multiply in numbers greater than their habitat can support unless controlled through regulated hunting. The program was designed by the Alabama State Parks Division, the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) and Bowhunters of Alabama (BHA) to maximize hunter opportunity and simplify the deer management process within the park.

NATIONAL WILDLIFE FOUNDATION APPROVES $21 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR HIGH PRIORITY CONSERVATION NEEDS

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) approved more than $21 million for five Alabama projects that address high priority conservation needs to restore some of Alabama’s natural resources affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.

2015 projects include:• Multifaceted Fisheries and Ecosystem Monitoring in Alabama’s Marine - approximately $2.1 million - This project represents the second year of the fisheries monitoring effort in the state of Alabama. The data collected will be used to improve ecosystem-based management capabilities, assess the recovery of reef fish stocks in association with other fisheries restoration efforts, and improve and expand single-species stock assessments for managed fish species.

• Grand Bay Acquisition - approximately $1.7 million - This project proposes the acquisition of three parcels consisting of 647 acres of priority coastal habitat in southwestern Mobile County. Grand Bay is one of the most pristine and diverse areas remaining on the Alabama Gulf Coast and the parcels proposed for acquisition are critical inholdings that link existing protected and managed areas, providing a more holistic approach to long-term management and stewardship for the Grand Bay system.

• Mobile Bay Shore Habitat Conservation and Acquisition Initiative – Phase I – approximately $300,000 - This project advances goals of conserving and protecting coastal habitat through land acquisition in Mobile Bay. Gulf Environmental Benefit Funds will be utilized to perform the necessary due diligence activities to inform future acquisition and management of several key intact tidal marsh habitats within the jurisdiction of the City of Mobile. Specific focal priorities include restoring and conserving habitats that support estuarine and marine fisheries and wildlife.

• Mobile County Conservation Acquisition - approximately $4.2 million - This project proposes to expand the Mobile County Commission’s investment in habitat conservation and restoration by acquiring and conserving a 233-acre parcel located on Mobile Bay near the mouth of Fowl River. The parcel contains approximately 90 acres of brackish marsh habitat and transitional upland habitat with a high diversity of plants, birds, and aquatic species. Funding will be utilized to complete due diligence and acquisition of the parcel, and the development of a conservation stewardship and management plan.

• Alabama Artificial Reef and Habitat Enhancement – approximately $12 million - This project will fund the enhancement and expansion of the state’s artificial reef program to improve habitats for reef fish and other species in coastal Alabama. Extensive research will be conducted to monitor the biological succession; temporal/spatial patterns of habitat utilization; and evaluate the structural integrity, durability, and stability of the habitat enhancement projects.

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LAND CONSERVATION & PRESERVATION

TREE CAMPUS USA PROGRAM RECOGNIZES EIGHT ALABAMA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

This year, eight universities across Alabama received recognition from Tree Campus USA. The program honors colleges and universities that effectively manage their campus trees, develop connectivity with the community beyond campus borders to foster healthy, urban forests, and strive to engage student population through service learning opportunities centered on campus and community forestry efforts. The following schools earned Tree Campus USA recognition:

• Auburn University

• Auburn University Montgomery

• Huntingdon College

• Jacksonville State University

• The University of Alabama at Birmingham

• The University of West Alabama

• Troy University

• University of Alabama, Huntsville

C R E D I T: A L A B A M A STAT E PA R K S D I V I S I O N

NEW FLOWS ON SECTIONS OF THE 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 on the river. 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 removing species from the Endangered Species List. A flow schedule was developed and implemented by engineers and biologists at Alabama Power, along with state and federal biologists, as a result of FERC license renewal negotiations with Alabama Power and a host of local stakeholders. The new water flow will restore habitat and launch recreational activities, such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

FRESHWATER LAND TRUST CREATES PRESERVE ON DOUBLE OAK MOUNTAIN

The Freshwater Land Trust (FWLT) purchased 225 acres of the Smyer Ridge property on Double Oak Mountain, totaling two miles of ridgeline seen by several communities throughout Dunnavant Valley in fast developing Shelby County. FWLT will own and manage the property that features a ridgeline biologically significant to the unbroken Appalachian mountain chain. The Double Oak Mountain habitat supports more than 250 species of birds, 78 mammals, 58 reptiles and 76 amphibians, as well as over 6,300 plants. It is also home to remnant mountain longleaf pine and is a critical stopover for migratory birds. Preservation of the ridgetop will also help protect water quality in both the Coosa River and Cahaba River watershed.

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ROBINS & MORTON PLANTS 573 TREES TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

Over the course of three weeks, Robins & Morton asked employees, families, friends and clients to pick a pledge in observance of Earth Day 2015. Pledges included but were not limited to carpooling, replacing light bulbs with LED bulbs, paying bills electronically and donating used goods. For each pledge, Robins & Morton committed to planting one tree through the America’s Forests Global ReLeaf Program. For each photo shared on a social media outlet, or e-mailed to the Robins & Morton Sustainability Council, of the subject performing their pledge, three trees were planted at the Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida, to help replenish the ecosystem of many species.

NATURE CONSERVANCY 2015 LAND ACQUISITION PROJECTS

In 2015, The Nature Conservancy in Alabama continued to protect habitat through direct acquisition. The nonprofit completed 11 land acquisition projects, totaling 4,414 acres, bringing the total area it has protected in Alabama to over 160,000 acres.

BLOUCHER FORD RIPARIAN FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT

Historic Bloucher Ford is one of Madison County’s earliest homesteads. Settled in 1808, this 23-acre parcel at the confluence of Flint River and Mountain Fork Creek bordered both the Creek and Cherokee Reservations. It is the site of the first mill (1820), the first phone, and where electricity was initially introduced in the county. Now preserved by the Land Trust of North Alabama, Boeing provided a $50,000 grant to fund the Bloucher Ford Riparian Forest Restoration Project - the first phase of restoring the river and creek front property to create a healthy, native vegetated buffer from surrounding farmland. Also, through an engineering No Rise Study, the Land Trust of North Alabama will determine the most appropriate uses of the land so that Bloucher Ford may become an environmental education venue focused on invasive species control and North Alabama biodiversity.

C R E D I T: R O B I N S & M O RTO N

LAND CONSERVATION & PRESERVATION

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

NEW AL SOLAR PROGRAM, MISSION: NET ZERO, AIMS TO MAKE SOLAR INSTALLATION MORE AFFORDABLEA new Alabama solar program, Mission: Net Zero, has been created to help drive down solar costs and increase solar installations. Recently launched in Huntsville, Mission: Net Zero is administered by the Alabama Center for Sustainable Energy and its partner Solar Site Design.The program works to pair solar originators, (those who add projects to the marketplace) with solar fulfillment companies (those who can build the installations). Southern Solar Systems and Lightwave Solar are the first companies to join the program. This partnership allows non-traditional solar companies to enter the market in a low-cost, low-risk way and provides traditional solar companies with a more consistent sales engine built on trusted relationships.

RECYCLED POWER PLANT EQUIPMENT IMPROVES ENERGY EFFICIENCY & SAVINGS FOR UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE Alabama-Decatur Energy installed an energy efficiency upgrade at its plant that supplies thermal utilities to customer United Launch Alliance (ULA). This upgrade will significantly drive down ULA’s energy use at their Decatur rocket factory. Alabama-Decatur Energy, which is a part of GDF SUEZ Energy North America, supplies utilities to space launch services provider ULA via steam, chilled water and compressed air to heat and cool the complex, regulate rocket manufacturing chemical processes and operate pneumatic tools.

ADEM PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO FIVE ALABAMA MUNICIPALITIES FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT UPGRADES ADEM is providing five Alabama municipalities with over $9.5 million in funding to support energy efficiency upgrades at their local wastewater and drinking water treatment plants. These efforts will result in a combined, total annual savings of over $200,000 for these municipalities and will also save over 2.4 million kilowatt hours per year. A portion of the funding for these projects originated from a clean air agreement that was signed between the Tennessee Valley Authority, the State of Alabama, and other entities and the remaining funds originated from the ADEM State Revolving Loan Fund.

• The City of Jacksonville - receiving $1.6 million to install new, energy efficient pumps and blowers at its wastewater treatment plant.

• Madison Utilities - receiving $5.5 million to install a new energy efficient intake pumping station to serve the Quarry Water Treatment.

• The City of Scottsboro Water, Gas & Sewer Board - receiving $950,000 to install energy efficient pumps at its water treatment plant.

• Piedmont Water, Gas & Sewer Board - receiving $700,000 to install energy efficient raw water and finish water pumps at its water treatment plant

• City of Moulton - receiving $700,000 to also install energy efficient pumps at its water treatment plant.

ECO THREE INNOVATIONS PARTNERS WITH HARRIS DOYLE TO BUILD ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMESJonathan Handey, Founder and Principal of Eco Three, and Nick Daviston, Owner of Daviston Insulation, opened a new business in Birmingham called Eco Three Innovations - Energy Code Specialists. The idea came out of numerous encounters with designers, architects, and builders in need of a reliable source for up-to-date knowledge of the ever-changing energy codes, energy efficiency consulting and inspection services throughout the design and construction phases, and third-party testing in order to ensure new homes are built according to current state and local energy codes. The company assists home builders with residential energy modeling & energy code compliance using ResNet®, ENERGY STAR®, and LEED® standards in addition to Manual J (for appropriate sizing of HVAC equipment). They provide consulting at all stages of design through occupancy including construction inspections (to ensure proper insulation installation and proper building envelope air-sealing), post-construction test-outs (blower door and duct blaster testing), and certifications (ResNet HERS Index and ENERGY STAR certification). Eco three Innovations has partnered with Birmingham-based home builder Harris Doyle to offer energy efficient upgrade packages on the new homes they are building in their developments in and around the Birmingham area.

3RD ANNUAL POWER-UP ENERGY FORUM ADDRESSES EFFICIENT & RENEWABLE ENERGY OPTIONSThe Alabama Environmental Council hosted the 3rd annual POWER-UP Energy Forum in February, at Birmingham-Southern College. POWER-UP addresses energy issues affecting Alabama with local and regional representatives. POWER-UP stands for Promoting Our Wise, Efficient, Renewable Use of Power. This year’s theme was “Energy: Renewable & Efficient + Reliable & Economical.” POWER-UP conversations aim to center on efficiency and conservation, alternatives, renewables and a transparent process for stakeholders to provide input in choosing and planning for Alabama’s energy future.

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RECYCLING & CLEANUPS

ADEM CONTINUES TO EMPHASIZE RECYCLING THROUGH ISSUANCE OF RECYCLING GRANTS

ADEM continued to emphasize the importance of recycling during 2015 with the issuance of 22 recycling grants totaling approximately $1.8 million. These recycling grants are used to imitate new recycling programs or enhance existing programs in municipalities across Alabama. Grant funds can be utilized to purchase infrastructure such as collection bins, recycling trailers, scales, balers, education/outreach materials, and other items to provide more Alabamians with access to the opportunity to recycle. Since the inception of its Recycling Program, ADEM has provided over $12 million dollars in recycling grants.

ALABAMA ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL HOLDS 2ND ANNUAL RECYCLING AND WASTE REDUCTION SUMMIT

The 2015 Recycling and Waste Reduction Summit took place in November at the Beloved Community Church in Birmingham. The all-day event, hosted by the Alabama Environmental Council (AEC), provided information and best practices for recycling and reducing waste. Summit features included the basics of recycling, zero landfill practices, large office recycling tips, and an overall look at the impact of recycling across the state. Those in attendance were also able to take part in a tour of the nearby Materials Recovery Facility.

CLEANUP OF ILLEGAL SOLID WASTE SITES

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) ensured the remediation and cleanup of 27 illegal solid waste dump sites during 2015. These illegal dumps were scattered across Alabama and, prior to cleanup, contained over 3,200 tons of solid waste materials. Illegal solid waste dumps are an eyesore, contribute to negative water quality impacts, and serve as a vector for disease carrying animals such as rodents and mosquitoes. To date, ADEM has removed over approximately 52,000 tons of illegally disposed of solid waste materials from over 1,100 illegal dump sites.

CLEANUP OF ILLEGAL SCRAP TIRE SITES

During 2015, ADEM completed the remediation and cleanup of 31 illegal scrap tire dumps resulting in the removal of over 85,000 scrap tires. In addition, ADEM also required that at least 50% of the scrap tires that were removed be recycled and beneficially reused. Historically, efforts from this program have resulted in the removal of 8.7 million illegally disposed of scrap tires at approximately 180 locations throughout Alabama.

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ECO-TEAM RECYCLES MORE THAN 1,300 POUNDS OF MATERIALS AT SOUTHEAST FESTIVALSThrough a partnership with the Alabama Coastal Foundation and the Cleaner, Greener LoDa Committee, the Eco-Team works to reduce waste at large public events. In 2015, Eco-Team volunteers recycled over 1,300 pounds of materials at events like Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebration and Ten Sixty Five music festival. This year also saw the launch of the Coastal Alabama Green Events Planning Guide, which provides sustainability best practices to encourage cleaner, greener local events. This complimentary guide is free to all event and meeting planners, businesses, and organizations in coastal Alabama.

ECO-TEAM HELPS CREATE GREENER EVENTS | | C R E D I T: A L A B A M A COA STA L F O U N DAT I O N

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UAB SUCCESSFULLY MANAGES RECYCLING FOR FIRST HEAVY-WEIGHT TITLE FIGHT IN AL

When the first heavyweight title fight in the state of Alabama was held at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Bartow Arena in June, UAB Recycling wanted to make sure every recyclable item at the event was successfully recycled. This was the first type of event on campus that was handled with such a continuous volume of aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and cardboard. By the end of the event, more than 864 pounds of cans, 400 pounds of cardboard, and 75 pounds of plastic were recycled. The campus recycling totals for the month of June were 44,860 lbs of cardboard, 5340 lbs of plastic bottles, and 1680 lbs of aluminum cans; those numbers were certainly boosted by the Wilder fight event. This experience helped prepare the recycling department for recycling needs at the Festival of Hope, a 3-day event at Bartow Arena and upcoming Blazer basketball games for which recycling has been expanded.

JEFFERSON COUNTY ROADSIDE LITTER CLEANUP

Jefferson County Stormwater Program staff developed a partnership with People Against a Littered State (PALS) promoting and coordinating various roadside litter cleanups in Jefferson County including the 2015 “Don’t Drop it On Alabama,” statewide spring cleanup. PALS reports over 250 tons of litter was collected statewide. In Jefferson County, 51 cleanups were held, resulting in 1,359 volunteers spending over 5,436 hours picking up 82.15 tons of litter along roadways and out of ditches. Of those totals, 35 cleanups were held in unincorporated areas of Jefferson County utilizing 1,009 volunteers spending 4,036 hours picking up 65.40 tons of litter, which was disposed of by the County’s Roads & Transportation Department (R&TD).

RECYCLING & CLEANUPS

B.A.S.S. WORK DAY AT TURKEY CREEK NATURE PRESERVE

The Freshwater Land Trust (FWLT) teamed up with B.A.S.S. volunteers to restore critical habitat for the endangered vermilion darter and watercress darter at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. The watercress and vermilion darters are both endemic to Jefferson County, and the vermilion darter’s habitat is limited to only a 7-mile segment of Turkey Creek. FWLT works to preserve the habitat of these two indigenous fish through a host of corporate and national partners. B.A.S.S. volunteers helped to enhance this critical habitat by removing invasive species and planting new native shrubs along the banks of the creek. The planting of native species reclaims the ground from invasive and exotic plants, contributing to healthier water quality and improved habitat for the darters.

16TH YEAR OF RENEW OUR RIVERS

Renew Our Rivers celebrated its 16th year in 2015. Throughout past year, the program hosted 30 cleanups in which 4,011 volunteers removed more than 140 tons of trash from Alabama waterways. Throughout all the years, Alabama Power employees and community volunteers have made a remarkable impact in protecting waterways in their communities through Renew Our Rivers. Since the first community cleanups in 2000, Renew Our Rivers has engaged partners across the state – and into surrounding states – to remove more than 13.5 million pounds of trash from waterways across the Southeast.

SCHOOL RECYCLING EXPANDS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY

Along with providing educational recycling programs, Alabama Environmental Council (AEC) assisted 29 area schools with recycling approximately 140 tons of paper and cardboard through its Business Paper Recycling Program. Grants from the ADEM Recycling Fund purchased school recycling bins and carts, available to any school in Jefferson County. This program is set to expand in 2016 with the addition of plastic bottle recycling bins. Additionally, AEC’s Business Paper Recycling Program helped area businesses and non-profits recycle an estimated 175 tons of paper and cardboard. As a result, a number of these businesses experienced reduced trash hauling expenses while benefiting the environment and supporting local manufacturing.

C R E D I T: A L A B A M A E N V I R O N M E N TA L CO U N C I L

ROBINS AND MORTON DIVERTS 88 % OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE, WINS SUSTAINABILITY CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

In June 2015, Waste Management presented Birmingham-based contractor Robins & Morton with a Sustainability Circle of Excellence Award for outstanding recycling and diversion performance within the construction industry. Waste Management emphasized that Robins & Morton’s diversion efforts rank among the top five percent of contractors using their online tracking system, Diversion and Recycling

Tracking Tool or DART®. This tool calculates the amount of waste diverted from landfills and converts recycling totals into environmental statistics. So far in 2015, Robins & Morton has diverted more than 40,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition waste from landfills, averaging an 81 percent waste diversion rate.

C R E D I T: F R E S H WAT E R L A N D T R U ST

C R E D I T: R O B I N S & M O RTO N

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UA RESEARCHERS RECEIVE GRANTS FOR WORK ON SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNICATIONS

Three researchers from the University of Alabama’s College of Communication & Information Sciences received research grants from the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication. Dr. Eyun-Jung Ki, an associate professor of public relations, will conduct a nationwide survey to study ways in which organizations communicate with the public about their sustainability efforts. Dr. Jennifer Hoewe, assistant professor, and Dr. Brett Sherrick, instructor, both in the journalism department, will also study sustainability communications, investigating the best ways for companies to communicate messages about environmental sustainability. The grants received by Ki, Hoewe and Sherrick were two of nine grants awarded nationwide for 2015 by the Page Center in the area of communications and sustainability.

MILITARY SOLAR APPROVAL

Alabama Power recently received approval from the Alabama Public Service Commission to move forward on developing and operating two solar generation projects, one at the Anniston Army Depot and one at Fort Rucker. Groundbreakings on the photovoltaic solar panel projects are expected to take place this spring. The projects are slated to be operating before the end of 2016. The two projects, will be owned by Alabama Power, and are expected to produce a combined 20 megawatts, which is the approximate amount of energy needed for 4,200 homes.

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SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS & INITIATIVES

TOYOTA GREEN INITIATIVE HONORS BIRMINGHAM SUSTAINABILITY LEADERS The Toyota Green Initiative (TGI) honored several Birmingham leaders, including Mayor William Bell, for their achievements in sustainability and community progress. Mayor William Bell was honored for his commitments to sustainability progress including efforts that led the city of Birmingham to become the first community in Alabama to achieve certification under the national STAR Community Rating System (STAR), a renowned sustainability rating system for cities, towns, and counties across the country. In addition to Bell, TGI also honored Yohance Owens, Executive Director of the Village Creek Human & Environmental Society and D’Juan Coleon, Executive Director of PURE (Project Urban Renewable Energy). Owens has achieved success for his leadership work to improve the Village Creek Environment to help benefit more than 300,000 residents, businesses, schools, and churches in its watershed. Coleon was recognized for his organization’s commitment to educating communities to advance urban renewal, energy efficiency, and green technology. TGI is an environmental stewardship platform that educates historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) students, alumni, and their surrounding community about the benefits of sustainable living.

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SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS & INITIATIVES

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MOBILE COUNTY ACTS TO GUARD DRINKING WATER SOURCE

The Mobile County Commission is aiming to purchase another 200 acres around the Big Creek Watershed as part of an ongoing effort to protect the reservoir that supplies Mobile County’s drinking water. The cost of the purchase is $360,000 through grants from the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service yesterday gave the go-ahead on the purchase.The Mobile County Conservation Acquisition Project has so far purchased more almost 1,000 acres of sensitive land that abuts vital natural resources throughout the county. Most of the land, or 760 acres, is located within the Big Creek Watershed.

HUNTSVILLE WINS COMPETITIVE AWARD TO SUPPORT COMPLETE STREETS WORKSHOP

The City of Huntsville was among seven winning communities to receive a free technical assistance workshop in 2016 from Smart Growth America, a national nonprofit that advocates for better cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Through the program, Huntsville will receive hands-on assistance from national experts on Complete Streets. The workshops offered through Smart Growth America’s program focus on a range of issues, including transit-oriented development, Complete Streets, smart growth zoning, economic development and fiscal health, parking management and regional planning for small communities, among other topics.

GREEN COAST COUNCIL HOSTS ITS FIRST SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT

In 2015, the Green Coast Council held the inaugural Sustainability Summit at the University of South Alabama. The Green Coast Council is an initiative of the Alabama Coastal Foundation, and serves as a forum for business and industry leaders who practice and promote environmental sustainability principles. The Summit brought together engineers, architects, and contractors to hear presentations and panel discussions by public officials and private experts in sustainability and resiliency. Speakers included Eliska Morgan, the Executive Director of the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council, who provided an update regarding RESTORE activities in the state, as well as keynote speaker Mona Amodeo, Founder and President of idgroup. After a successful first year, the Summit will become an annual event that educates participants on the latest in sustainability best practices.

FORT PAYNE PARTICIPATES IN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The City of Fort Payne and the DeKalb County Economic Development Authority (DCEDA) have been accepted to participate in the Valley Sustainable Communities Program. This program, now in its third year, is being sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and managed by Boyette Strategic Advisors (BSA). The goal of the program is to increase the likelihood that communities will be viewed as progressive and competitive by companies planning to invest in new or expanded business locations. BSA and TVA staff will be administering the program and meeting in person with communities’ sustainability teams to help develop and implement sustainable initiatives and increase awareness of existing programs.

BIRMINGHAM SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN FOURTH ANNUAL ECODISTRICTS INCUBATOR

The City of Birmingham was selected to participate in the fourth annual EcoDistricts Incubator, held in May, in Portland, Oregon. The non-profit organization, EcoDistricts, hosts the annual three-day workshop event that provides advanced training for teams working to further developmental efforts for building “sustainable cities from the neighborhood up.” Birmingham’s project targeted the city’s Entrepreneurial District, a plot of former railroad and industrial land that has largely remained in disuse since the collapse of the iron and steel industry. Since the redevelopment of surrounding property, which includes the nationally recognized Railroad Park, the district has become home to a diverse mix of more than 250 businesses ranging from local restaurants and retail shops to technology enterprises. The Entrepreneurial District has become a main focus of the city’s strategy for downtown revitalization.

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SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS & INITIATIVES

NEW ALABAMA POWER INITIATIVE, MIX,ENGAGES MILLENNIALS & ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

In 2015, Alabama Power launched MIX, an engagement initiative to inspire future leaders to invest their time and talents in their communities. Through a series of events in Birmingham, MIX encourages millennials – ages 21 to 35 – to come together, share ideas and build relationships in a supportive and social setting. Events range from nights-out at local breweries raising money for nonprofits, to get-togethers over coffee to talk about innovative ideas that impact our communities. MIX events also highlight several initiatives of Alabama Power, encouraging millennials to join efforts to advance innovation, support environmental stewardship, and work together to help revitalize communities.

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

BIRMINGHAM MAYOR WILLIAM BELL PROMOTES NEW MOBILE MARKET AS FUTURE FOR HEALTHY FOOD ACCESSIBILITY

In April, Birmingham Mayor William Bell launched the city’s first Mobile Market, a bus that will serve as rolling farmer’s market and grocery store. The launch took place in Pratt City in Western Birmingham, where there are currently no grocery stores within a mile radius. The bus is the first of three that will serve as a mobile market. Officials said the mobile markets could provide short-term solutions to giving residents access to quality foods. Finding solutions for the lack of quality food in neighborhoods was the assignment of volunteers with the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Grant. In 2014, Birmingham was one of three U.S. cities and 16 municipalities worldwide selected for the award.

UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO HOSTS FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL TOWN HALL MEETING

Students and faculty at the University of Montevallo (UM) are making huge strides toward sustainability on campus and in the school’s community. This past January, members of UM’s Environmental Club and Sustainability Committee invited local residents and members of Montevallo government to join them for an environmental town hall meeting. At the core of the meeting was talk of sustainable food drives, recycling efforts, food waste reduction, and efforts to plan community events like documentary showings and Earth Day festivals. The goal of the meeting was to improve connections and cooperation between the university and the city.

NATURE CONSERVANCY’S URBAN CONSERVATION

In 2015, The Nature Conservancy in Alabama significantly

expanded its focus on urban conservation issues by hiring their first urban conservationist for the Greater Birmingham region. The Conservancy is working to ensure a healthy urban tree canopy and empowering the next generation through youth engagement and education programs. Another priority is to improve the health of urban streams, for example, by advising on stormwater plan-ning for the Village Creek Watershed that flows through the heart of Birmingham.

C R E D I T: N AT U R E CO N S E R VA N CY

+ Watch the Video

The Green Resource Center for Alabama is dedicated to providing an in depth look at the many green

related projects and sustainability initiatives that collectively make a lasting impact and keep Alabama

moving forward. We’re proud to see an evolving commitment to the kind of sustainability practices that

not only help support the endurance of our environment, but also encourages enhanced quality of life for

both current and future generations.

Our eighth annual Green Progress Report continues to track a wide range of important sustainability

milestones achieved by countless organizations, businesses, and individuals all across the state. The task

of gathering data from statewide sources is large and often challenging, and as a result, the report should

be viewed as a testimony to Alabama’s growing successes and not as a complete representation of the full

extent of green progress in 2015.

It is our hope that the many featured accomplishments in this year’s report will inspire greater action for

individual and collaborative involvement with future environmental and sustainable progress in Alabama.

Help us broaden our coverage in 2016 by sharing your organization’s green and sustainable achievements. For more information, visit www.grcalabama.org.

2015 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES:

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TOP GREEN PROGRESS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Birmingham awarded 3-star community rating for sustainability leadership+ http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2015/04/12/birminghamawarded-a-3-star-community-rating-for.html

Mobile & Prichard Al Among 22 Communities Selected Nationally To Receive Epa Assistance To Advance Sustainability Goals+ http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/8b770facf5edf6f185257359003fb69e/d62b3480a22b014885257dda00742759!OpenDocument

Alabama Power Approved For Generation Of Up To 500 Mw Of Renewable Sources + http://alabamanewscenter.com/2015/07/14/alabama-power-seeking-up-to-500-megawatts-of-renewable-generation-including-solar/

PARKS, TRAILS, & RECREATION

Popular Hiking Spot Enhanced With Major Pavilion+ https://woodlandsandwaters.wordpress.com/2015/11/18/high-and-dry-guided-hike-on-rainbow-mountain/

Good Roots Awards 44 Grants For Tree Planting+ http://alabamanewscenter.com/2014/07/17/good-roots-grant-winners-announced-statewide/

Red Rock Trail Expansion Continues + http://www.freshwaterlandtrust.org/red-rock-ridge-and-valley/

Grant From Jane K. Lowe Foundation Helps Land Trust Of North Alabama Create First Ada-Compliant Trail+ http://www.landtrustnal.org/

New Hiking Trail On Forever Wild Wehle Tract In Bullock County+ http://www.outdooralabama.com/new-hiking-trail-forever-wild-wehle-tract-bullock-county

New Alabama Park Coalition Makes It Easy To Support State Parks+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2015/06/01/new-al-park-coalition-

makes-it-easy-to-support-state-parks/Ten Alabama State Parks Awarded Tripadvisor Certificate Of Excellence + http://www.outdooralabama.com/ten-alabama-state-parks-awarded-tripadvisor-certificate-excellence

Land Water And Conservation Fund Awards Grants To Four State Parks+ http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/11/four_state_parks_10_cities_in.html

Good Life Ride+ http://www.goodliferide.org/

Oak Mountain State Park Offers Visitors A New Way To Camp+ http://yellowhammernews.com/faithandculture/one-alabama-state-park-is-partnering-with-a-local-company-to-elevate-your-camping-experience/

Rotary trail+ http://www.alabamawildlife.org/governors-conservation-achievement-awards/

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2015 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Switch Blade Competition+ http://alcse.org/switchblade/

Birmingham Butterfly Education And Awareness Day + http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2015/06/11/birmingham-butterfly-education-and-awareness-day/

Adem Provides Training To Educate Citizens About Environmental Tools+ http://adem.alabama.gov/moreInfo/pubs/citizensguide.pdf

Adem Hosts Earth Day Event For Students+ http://www.adem.state.al.us/MoreInfo/pubs/ADEMUpdateJuly2015.pdf

Bigfoot Bio Bash, A Conservation Festival+ http://outdooralabama.com/cheaha-hosts-conservation-festival-nov-21

Children Learn Sustainability Through Urban Farm Camp+ http://weldbham.com/blog/2015/07/08/children-learn-sustainability-through-urban-farm-camp/

Mobile And Baldwin County Water Festivals+ http://www.joinacf.org/#!water-festivals/c235p

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

Gone Fishin’, Not Just Wishin’+ http://outdooralabama.com/oak-mountain-state-park-hosts-exceptional-anglers-event

Sea Level Rise Workshops+ http://www.joinacf.org/#!slr/c14ak

Uab Sustainability Efforts Lead To Cleaner Campus & $13.5 Million In Savings+ http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/08/keeping_uab_green_and_lean_sus.html#incart_river_index

Lawson State Community College’s Environmental Ambassadors Benefit From Intern Opportunities With The Environmental Protection Agency+ http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2015/04/environmental_ambassadors_laws.html

Good Food Day At Eat South + http://www.eatsouth.org/good-food-day/

The Brown Bag Lunch And Learn Series + http://resources.jccal.org/swm/Resources_Summer-Fall_2015/lunch%20and%20learn%20series%202015.pdf

Natureplex Grand Opening+ http://alabamanewscenter.com/2015/10/12/alabama-wildlifes-new-natureplex-all-about-hands-on-learning/

2015 Birmingham Stormwater Calendar+ http://jeffconline.jccal.org/Default.asp?ID=1112&pg=StormWater

Three Alabama K-12 Schools Named 2015 Green Ribbon Schools + http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/02/auburn_university_schools_in_h.html

Auburn Earns Recognition By The U.s. Department Of Education As Alabama’s First & Only Green Ribbon University + http://podcasts.shelbyed.k12.al.us/scs-news/2015/10/05/shelby-county-college-and-career-students-learning-about-aeroponic-gardening/

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY

Toyota Honored For Commitment To Environmental Excellence+ http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/04/toyota_honored_for_commitment.html

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Celebrate National Public Lands Day With Trail Volunteer Work+ http://www.waff.com/story/30178819/toyota-volunteers-spruce-up-trailhead-for-national-public-lands-day

Land Trust Of North Alabama Partners WithHuntsville’s Firstwhole Foods + http://www.landtrustnal.org/

Holcim Inc. Receives Gulf Guardian Award For Eliminating Stormwater Discharges From Theodore, Al+ http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/8b770facf5edf6f185257359003fb69e/cab6acb4e8da055985257e92005a9fbf!OpenDocument

2015 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES

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BUILDING & DESIGN

Energy Sustainability For Tomorrow+ http://alcse.org/projects

Top 100 Green Buildings Contractors Include Four Alabama Companies + http://www.enr.com/toplists/2015_Top_100_Green_Building_Contractors

Three Birmingham Women Awarded Scholarships To Attend Greenbuild 2015

+ http://www.usgbc.org/articles/greenbuild-2015-what-weekLearning About Leed: Robins & Morton Hosts Student Green Building Discussion And Tour Of Leed® Gold Corporate Office + https://twitter.com/RobinsMorton/status/588411690787569664

Robins & Morton Achieves Three Awards Highlighting Commitment To Green Building+ http://editiondigital.net/publication/?i=279540#%22issue_id%22:279540,%22page%22:52

2015 Leed Projects And People In Alabama + http://www.usgbc.org/advocacy/state-market-brief

TRANSPORTATION

Commutesmart Creates Zyp, Birmingham’s New Bikeshare Program+ http://www.rpcgb.org/news/commutesmart/

Auburn University Is First Among State Colleges & Universities To Receive A Bicycle Friendly University Designation + http://wp.auburn.edu/sustainability/tag/league-of-american-bicyclists/

Commutesmart Program Reduces Over 15 Million Miles For Third Year+ http://www.rpcgb.org/news/commutesmart/

Montgomery Included In Bicycle Friendly America 2015 Bicycle Friendly Community Awards+ http://www.wsfa.com/story/30721704/montgomery-designated-as-

bicycle-friendly-communityUab Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus To Join Local Max Fleet+ https://www.uab.edu/engineering/home/209-news/953-uab-fuel-cell-bus-to-enter-service-this-week

Plant Farley Unveils Electric Charging Stations For Employees + http://www.southeastgreen.com/index.php/news/alabama/14635-plant-farley-unveils-electric-charging-stations-for-employees

Adem Effort Reduces Diesel Emissions+ http://www.adem.alabama.gov/MoreInfo/pubs/ADEMUpdateOctober2015.pdf

LAND CONSERVATION & PRESERVATION

The Centennial Tree Program + http://www.bbgardens.org/tree-restoration-project.php

Howard Family Donates 167 Acres To Help Freshwater Land Trust Preserve The Cahaba River+ http://www.freshwaterlandtrust.org/2015/10/conserving-the-cahaba/

The Huntsville Botanical Garden Trillium Collection+ Http://Publicgardens.org/Programs/Plant-Collections-Network/

Napcc-Collections/Trillium

National Wildlife Foundation Approves $21 Million In Grants For High Priority Conservation Needs + Http://Governor.alabama.gov/Newsroom/2015/11/Governor-Bentley-Announces-21-Million-Gulf-Restoration-Projects-Alabama/

Tree Campus Usa Program Recognizes Eight Alabama Colleges & Universities+ Http://Www.arborday.org/Programs/Treecampususa/Campuses.cfm

Oak Mountain State Park Continues Deer Management Program + Http://Outdooralabama.com/Bowhunting-Begins-Nov-1-Oak-Mountain-State-Park

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2015 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES

image_1b8l

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Adem Provides Financial Support To Five Alabama Municipalities For Energy Efficient Upgrades + http://www.adem.state.al.us/newsEvents/notices/jul15/pdfs/7cwsrf.pdf

Eco Three Gulf Coast Opens+ http://eco-three.com/eco-three-opens-new-office-in-fairhope-al/

3rd Annual Power-Up Energy Forum Addresses Efficient & Renewable Energy Options

+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2015/02/24/3rd-annual-power-energy-forum-addresses-efficient-renewable-energy-options/New Al Solar Program, Mission: Net Zero, Aims To Make Solar Installation More Affordable+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2015/11/24/new-al-solar-program-mission-net-zero-aims-to-make-solar-installation-more-affordable/

Recycled Power Plant Equipment Improves Energy Efficiency & Savings For United Launch Alliance + http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/prnewswire/press_releases/Alabama/2015/11/11/DA55060

RECYCLING & CLEANUPS

Eco-Team Recycles More Than 1,300 Pounds Of Materials At Southeast Festivals+ http://www.joinacf.org/#!eco-team/cg9s

Cleanup Of Illegal Solid Waste Sites+ http://www.adem.state.al.us/programs/land/remediationCleanup.cnt

Cleanup Of Illegal Scrap Tire Sites+ http://www.adem.state.al.us/programs/land/scrapTire.cnt

Adem Continues To Emphasize Recycling Through Issuance Of Recycling Grants + http://www.adem.state.al.us/MoreInfo/pubs/ADEMUpdateJuly2015.pdf

Alabama Environmental Council Holds 2nd Annual Recycling And Waste Reduction Summit+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2015/10/28/aec-to-host-2nd-annual-recycling-and-waste-reduction-summit/

Uab Successfully Manages Recycling For First Heavyweight Title Fight In Al+ https://www.uab.edu/facilities/73-frontdoor/info/400-facilities-recycles-a-ton-during-boxing-matchJefferson County Roadside Litter Cleanup + http://www.alpals.org/+ http://jeffconline.jccal.org/Default.asp?ID=1112&pg=StormWater

Robins And Morton Diverts 88 % Of Construction Waste, Wins Sustainability Circle Of Excellence Award+ http://www.robinsmorton.com/robins-morton-diverts-88-percent-of-construction-waste-wins-sustainability-circle-of-excellence-award/

School Recycling Expands In Jefferson County + http://www.aeconline.org/schoolrecycling

B.a.s.s. Work Day At Turkey Creek Nature Preserve + http://www.bassmaster.com/news/bass-volunteers-freshwater-land-trust

16Th Year Of Renew Our Rivers+ http://renewourrivers.com/

New Flows On Sections Of The Coosa River + http://www.fws.gov/daphne/Index_Page/New%20Flow%20Schedule_.pdf

Freshwater Land Trust Creates Preserve On Double Oak Mountain+ Http://Www.al.com/News/Index.ssf/2015/11/Freshwater_land_trust_announce.html

Robins & Morton Plants 573 Trees To Celebrate Earth Day

+ https://twitter.com/RobinsMorton/status/593147275330854912

Nature Conservancy 2015 Land Acquisition Projects + http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/alabama/newsroom/alabama-newsletter-archive.xml

Bloucher Ford Riparian Forest Restoration Project + http://www.landtrustnal.org/#!thanks-to-boeing!/zoom/mainPage/

2015 GREEN PROGRESS REPORT SOURCES

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SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS & INITIATIVES

Toyota Green Initiative Honors Birmingham Sustainability Leaders+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2015/11/03/toyota-green-initiative-honors-birmingham-sustainability-leaders/

Ua Researchers Receive Grants For Work On Sustainability Communications+ http://uanews.ua.edu/2015/07/ua-researchers-receive-grants-for-work-on-sustainability-communications/

Military Solar Approval + http://alabamanewscenter.com/2015/11/09/alabama-power-gets-psc-approval-for-solar-projects-at-anniston-army-depot-fort-rucker/

Green Coast Council Hosts Its First Sustainability Summit+ http://www.joinacf.org/#!green-coast-council/c12d8

Fort Payne Participates In Sustainable Communities Development Program+ http://www.dekalbeda.com/news-events/item/fort-payne-alabama-participates-in-the-sustainable-communities-development-program.html

Birmingham Selected To Participate In Fourth Annual Ecodistricts Incubator+ http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2015/05/01/birmingham-selected-participate-fourth-annual-ecodistricts-incubator/

Mobile County Acts To Guard Drinking Water Source+ http://www.mobilecountyal.gov/news/news.html?view=full&news=420&cat=News%20and%20Announcements#sthash.YW7XRUyj.dpuf

Huntsville Wins Competitive Award To Support Complete Streets Workshop+ http://www.huntsvilleal.gov/news/City_of_Huntsville_wins_competitive_award_to_support_Complete_Streets_workshop_12-3-15.php

Birmingham Mayor William Bell Promotes New Mobile Market As Future For Healthy Food Accessibility + http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2015/04/birmingham_mayor_william_bell_13.html

University Of Montevallo Hosts First Environmental Town Hall Meeting + http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2015/03/17/university-montevallo-hosts-environmental-town-hall-meeting/

Nature Conservancy’s Urban Conservation+ http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/alabama/explore/alabama-urban-conservation-in-bimingham.xml

New Alabama Power Initiative, Mix, Engages Millennials & Encourages Community Involvement + http://mygreenbirmingham.com/2015/10/16/new-alabama-power-initiative-mix-engages-millennials-encourages-community-involvment/

2015 Green Progress Report published by:

Sustain is a strategy and media agency dedicated to moving sustainability forward.www.sustainforward.com