Pinellas County recertified Green
Pinellas County has become the first county in the state to achieve a FloridaGreen Local Government recertification. The county successfully met the five-year recertification requirements and sustainability standards established in the Florida Green Local Government Certification program. The award was formally announced during the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners public meeting on March 12.
The recertification, awarded by the Florida Green Building Coalition, signifies Pinellas County’s commitment to take on broader and more strategic responsibilities to create a sustainable community for Pinellas County residents.
Pinellas County earned a gold-level designation by achieving 55 percent of the 399 applicable points. The county was the first jurisdiction in the state to receive the Green Local Government designation as a silver award winner in 2006.
“This gold-level designation demonstrates that the county continues to lead the charge in sustainable best practices that support the environment and the economy even in challenging economic times,” said Pinellas County Extension Urban Sustainability Agent Ramona Madhosingh-Hector.
In order to achieve the recertification in 2013, the staff undertook an extensive audit of the functions performed by every department within the government. Some of the county’s accomplishments include:
- Maintained environmental commitment in long-term direction for sustainability efforts
- Developed and implemented environmentally preferred purchasing program
- Employed green cleaning and maintenance procedures
- Offered incentives for green certification of resident, commercial and land development projects
- Adhered to the Blue Wave Campaign criteria for public beaches
- Utilized solar and LED for street, crosswalk and traffic lights
- Created a reclaimed water infrastructure
The certification program is the only one of its type in Florida and is endorsed by the Florida Legislature, the Florida League of Cities and the Florida League of Mayors. Forty-five municipalities have achieved certification and 11 other municipalities are in the process of certification.
