Mayor Chávez and the City of Albuquerque were recognized with the Climate Protection Award for outstanding and innovative practices increasing energy efficiency and championing the fight on global warming, by the United States Conference of Mayors.

The award was presented in Los Angeles at the United States Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting and was sponsored by Wal-Mart recognizing the AlbuquerqueGreen Program.

The AlbuquerqueGreen Program features a multi-faceted, integrated approach with real action-oriented solutions to reduce emissions and the City’s impact on climate change. The AlbuquerqueGreen Program’s goals are:

• Committing to make Albuquerque the most bicycle-friendly Southwestern city;
• Promoting the growth of green-tech companies, employment and investment;
• Making sure all newly-purchased city vehicles are alternatively fueled, and;
• Promoting pedestrian-friendly mixed-use urban village initiatives.

Additionally, all new buildings are now required to be carbon neutral and powered from 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Albuquerque received the top nod based on the independently judged criteria of mayoral leadership, creativity and innovation, and for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the improved quality of life in the community.

Albuquerque received top honors in the Large City category beating out over 100 cities across the nation including Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Honolulu, Minneapolis, New York, and Seattle.

Click here to see the video presentation. (Fast-forward to about 2/3 on the video to view the Albuquerque presentation).