Contact: Donna Henry, PIO; (202)299.3338; [email protected]
[Washington, DC] -- The District has launched two interactive online tools aimed at helping home owners reduce their environmental impact and to help students and all District residents better understand the city’s progress to become more environmentally sustainable, the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) reports today. The tools, GreenUp DC and the Green Dashboard, are part of the city’s overall effort to engage citizens to become active participants in the Mayor’s sustainability initiatives and to track performance of various environmental programs.
GreenUp DC
The GreenUp DC provides property owners the chance to explore existing projects in their neighborhoods and around the city and to then plan their own green projects. Its interactive mapping features are powered by D.C.’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) using technology from Esri, the world’s leader in mapping technology and geographic information systems. GreenUp DC’s distinctive map allows users to see existing green energy, storm water reduction, and energy conservation projects. It also immediately calculates the potential benefits of these types of conservation projects for the property owner.
In addition to planning retrofit projects, GreenUp DC allows users to learn more about these projects and to access lists of qualified professionals to do the work. The web tool also generates reports that allow DDOE to fulfill its legal obligations to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and be transparent and responsive with up-to-date statistical reporting on green energy performance and stormwater reductions.
GreenUp DC tutorials are available to help guide users through the process.
The GreenUp DC tool, developed by Critigen a global leader in information technology consulting, can be used to plan a project for the new RiverSmart Rain Garden and Pervious Paver Rebate program. The rebate, based on the square footage of impervious (roof or pavement) area being treated, will reimburse homeowners $1.25 for each square foot of impervious surface treated by the system up to $1,000. To learn more about the Pervious Paver Rebate, visit RiverSmart Homes.
Green Dashboard
The Green Dashboard offers an easy to read and engaging platform to access information on approximately 60 indicators in six categories – air quality and climate, energy and building, nature, transportation, waste and recycling, and water. The Dashboard is intended to help users to better understand the environmental impact of each indicator and see how the District compares with other jurisdictions. Users will be able to organize and analyze dashboard data by time period and various metrics and download raw data and graphic images for their use.
“So much of what we are doing at this point is to further engage and educate our residents on how to become sustainable in their daily lives,” says Christophe A.G. Tulou, Director of DDOE. “Providing convenient, interactive online tools allows citizens to see how they can make a difference by greening their homes and property, and even save money at the same time.”
About Sustainable DC
Sustainable DC is Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s initiative to make the District of Columbia the most sustainable city in the country. The District is already a national sustainability leader in significant areas, including first in purchasing green power, second in LEED-certified buildings, and first in bike-sharing participation. The city is looking to boost achievement in a range of areas, including waste management, food production, renewable energy, alternative transportation, water quality, climate protection and creation of green jobs for District residents. Sustainable DC is jointly led by DDOE and the D.C. Office of Planning.
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