The city of Austin has been recognized nationally for Energy Efficiency Implementation Innovation in the category for large community by ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA. ICLEI is the leading local government association addressing climate change and sustainability.

Austin won the award for development of a citywide Climate Action Team of more than 50 departmental representatives who meet monthly to develop and implement departmental plans to make the city operations carbon-neutral by 2020. Twenty-three departments and five large, multi-departmental buildings have developed customized climate protection plans.

“We are thrilled to have an opportunity to recognize the great work and continued commitment to sustainability and the environment demonstrated by the city of Austin. The city of Austin's commendable efforts are improving the quality of life of its residents and in doing so our larger global community,” said Martin Chávez, executive director, ICLEI USA.

Visit www.austinenergy.com.

The city's efforts are led by the Austin Climate Protection Program housed at Austin Energy.

“Departmental climate protection plans are a big deal; and Ester Matthews and the Austin Climate Protection Plan team deserve great credit, along with the departmental climate plan representatives, for laying this critical foundation for sustainability,” said Karl R. Rábago, Austin Energy vice president with executive oversight of the Austin Climate Protection Program. “Recognition from the well-respected experts at ICLEI confirms the importance of what the Climate Action Team has been doing over the last two years.”