Havre de Grace Receives Prestigious Award for Sustainability at State Conference

Havre de Grace, MD (October 18, 2016) – The Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland announced that The City of Havre de Grace was one of the Maryland municipalities honored at the Sustainable Maryland Awards Ceremony at the Maryland Municipal League’s annual Fall Conference last Friday in Solomons, Maryland.

Highlights of Havre de Grace’s accomplishments include:

• Entered into a Power Purchase Agreement where approximately 60% of municipal electricity demand is being supplied by solar power, saving the City more than $50,000 annually.
• Purchased two neighborhood electric vehicles for its municipal fleet, helping to lower fuel costs and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Provides free compost to residents through the recycling of biosolids generated at the wastewater treatment plant.
• Host to two Maryland Green Schools: Havre de Grace High School & Meadowvale Elementary School.
• Hosts a local Farmers Market from May-November, with more than ten vendors selling their produce rain or shine, thanks to a new 40-foot by 40-foot tent erected in Hutchins Park.
• Established a Community Garden Initiative in 2012 with one pilot garden, located at Market Street, and expanded to three more sites in 2013 at Market Street #2, Seneca Avenue, and the Old Reservoir, thereby providing convenient access to garden plots throughout the City.
• Designated a Tree City USA for the past 14 years, with the Tree Commission overseeing the community forestry program and annual Arbor Day celebration.
• Created a network of walking trails throughout the city, which are promoted through an online self-guided tour, that help to foster both increased fitness amongst residents as well as greater appreciation of the City’s natural and historic resources.

According to Mayor Bill Martin of Havre de Grace, "As a community, we recognize that sustainable practices protect human and ecological health, and our natural environment; all the while driving innovation without comprising our way of life. To run a city that is linked with these values, helps us to function more efficiently and just makes good business sense. It’s the right thing to do. Through the work and commitment of our City Staff, Havre de Grace Green Team volunteers and Havre de Grace Citizens working together, we are honored to have earned our Sustainable Maryland Certified designation."

“Every year, the Environmental Finance Center is proud to welcome more municipalities to the Sustainable Maryland community,” said Dan Nees, director of the Environmental Finance Center. “The incredible growth of this program demonstrates that so many communities across the state are dedicated to healthier, more sustainable futures. The shared commitment of local elected officials, municipal staff and Green Team volunteers in these diverse towns and cities are a testament to Maryland's vision of resilience."

For detailed information about Havre de Grace’s sustainability initiatives, please contact Patrick Sybolt, Director of Administration,at (410) 939-1800 X 1131 or patricks@havredegracemd.com

For information on the Havre de Grace Green Team initiatives please see our website at: http://www.hdggreenteam.org/ or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Havre...