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District Recognized at International Climate Leadership Awards

Thursday, September 25, 2014
Stormwater Retention Credit Trading Nominated as One of World’s Most Innovative Climate Programs

CONTACT:       Donna Henry (DDOE) 202.299.3338; [email protected]

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –The District’s Stormwater Retention Credit (SRC) Trading Program was recognized, this week, by Siemens and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), as one of the world’s most innovative climate programs. The announcement was made on Monday, September 22, at the 2014 City Climate Leadership Awards Ceremony in New York City.

The City Climate Leadership Awards recognizes innovative actions taken by cities to address climate change. The SRC program was one of 31 finalist projects chosen from 87 applications submitted by cities from around the world.  The SRC program, which seeks to reduce polluted runoff into District water bodies, is the first of its kind in the nation. The first SRC trade valued at $25,000 was announced last week by the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), which developed and manages the program.

The Stormwater Retention Credit Trading Program is creating a market for green infrastructure and stormwater control that will protect our waterways and make the District more resilient to climate change,” said DDOE Director Keith A. Anderson, who attended this year’s ceremony . “We are honored to be recognized alongside the global cities rising to the challenge of climate change.”

Protecting the District’s waterbodies like the Anacostia River, Rock Creek, and the Potomac River from harmful stormwater runoff will help to achieve the goals of the Sustainable DC Plan to make our waters fishable and swimmable. The SRC Program provides financial incentives for the voluntary installation of green infrastructure projects like rain gardens and green roofs that deliver multiple benefits including reducing the urban heat island effect and preventing floods by relieving pressure on the District’s stormwater infrastructure during rain events. Expanding green infrastructure will also help the District prepare for the impacts of climate change as both heat waves and extreme rain events are expected to become more frequent and severe in the future. Under the District’s current stormwater management regulations, development projects permitted after January 2014 must meet river-protecting stormwater retention standards and can meet a portion of this requirement by using SRCs.

“The SRC Program and each of the finalists recognized by the City Climate Leadership Awards are proof that cities can lead the way in addressing climate change,” said Director Anderson. “With smart financing solutions like the SRC Program, the District can deliver on its commitment to make the city healthier, greener and more resilient.”

For more information on the SRC Program, visit ddoe.dc.gov/src.

For more information on the City Climate Leadership Awards and the projects of the finalist cities, go to: www.cityclimateleadershipawards.com