The City of Fort Lauderdale has been certified as a Florida Green Local Government by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). The FGBC designation is awarded to governments that demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship and implement effective sustainable initiatives to strengthen their community.

Governments attain FGBC certification by earning points for green practices that fall within 19 local government functions, including: administration, agriculture, building and development, utilities, solid waste, public transportation, water and wastewater and natural resource management. Initiatives that earned points towards Fort Lauderdale’s certification ranged from creating an Office of Sustainability and a Sustainability Advisory Board to providing incentives for green redevelopment, to tracking energy usage and recycling rates. Fort Lauderdale received the highest municipal score to date in the state, and is the third City in Broward to attain gold-level certification.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious designation from the Florida Green Building Coalition in recognition of our ongoing efforts to preserve and protect our environment,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. “Jack” Seiler. "Our Citywide Vision and Strategic Plan reflect Fort Lauderdale’s long-term commitment to sustainable development, climate adaptation and resiliency-building. We look forward to expanding our leadership in this vital area by continuing to advance environmentally responsible practices that strengthen our economy, enhance our quality of life, and make Fort Lauderdale a more resilient, livable and sustainable community.”

FGBC Executive Director Susan Cook commended Fort Lauderdale for pursuing the voluntary certification, stating that the achievement demonstrates the City’s commitment to protect and conserve the community’s natural resources. Cook added that the designation will facilitate efficiency, reduce costs and raise awareness about the benefits of environmental stewardship.

The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is a nonprofit 501(C)3 Florida corporation founded in 2000, dedicated to improving the built environment. Its mission is "to lead and promote sustainability with environmental, economic, and social benefits through regional education and certification programs." FGBC certification programs are the only standards developed with climate specific criteria to address issues caused by Florida’s hot-humid environment and natural disasters. Currently, FGBC is the leading certifier of green projects in Florida. For more information about the FGBC “Florida Green” certification programs visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org.

For more information about City of Fort Lauderdale sustainable programs and initiatives, please visit the City website at www.fortlauderdale.gov/gyr.