Carmel Mayor, City Honored For Sustainability Efforts

CARMEL, IN – Sustainable Indiana 2016 and the Indiana Bicentennial Commission presented Mayor Jim Brainard and the city of Carmel its esteemed Bicentennial Green Legacy Community Award recently at the Sustainable Living Seminar hosted by Carmel Green Initiative at the Carmel Clay Public Library. The award was in recognition of the city’s implementation of a wide range of energy efficiency measures that save energy resources, reduce environmental impact and save tax dollars.  The measures include the purchase of hybrid and bio-fuel city vehicles since 2005, a city curbside recycling program, the encouragement of mixed-use developments, use of roundabouts to reduce pollution from idling vehicles and the creation and expansion of walkable paths and public spaces.

“This award recognizes that Carmel through the mayor's leadership and community engagement has distinguished itself as being a model of sustainability and is on a path that is exemplary,” said John Gibson, state coordinator for Sustainable Indiana 2016. “We're proud to acknowledge and celebrate with you what you’re doing here in Carmel. It’s going to make life better and more livable for generations to come.”

Sustainable Indiana 2016 is a bicentennial citizen's initiative of Earth Charter Indiana established to identify and celebrate models of sustainability as a part of the bicentennial legacy.  Sustainable Indiana 2016 is one of 100 endorsed legacy projects by the Indiana Bicentennial Commission which has four major themes: nature and conservation, youth and education, historical celebration, and community involvement.

“What better legacy can we leave for our children than cities and communities that are better places to live, better places to work and better places to raise a family. I want to applaud the mayor, the city council and the citizens who have worked to make Carmel deserving of this special recognition. As your community continues to make this city a greener place, you'll create a history worth remembering, and a better place for your children,” said Perry Hammock, executive director of the gubernatorial appointed Indiana Bicentennial Commission.

Leslie Webb, president of Carmel Green Initiative added: “We applaud Mayor Brainard for his leadership on sustainability, energy conservation and climate change.  And we applaud the countless green efforts by individuals at Carmel schools, congregations, businesses and residences who care about protecting the environment for future generations. This is a green legacy we can all be proud of as we celebrate the bicentennial and Indiana's future.”

Mayor Brainard, who serves on the President’s Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resiliency and the Energy Independence and Climate Protection Task Force and Advisory Board of Directors for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, thanked the Commission for the honor.

“On behalf of the citizens of Carmel, I accept this award in recognition of the efforts of many who work tirelessly to create a high quality, vibrant city that also respects our environment and strives to embrace the ideals of conservation that have been a part of American history for many decades,” said Mayor Brainard.

About Carmel Green Initiative

Carmel Green Initiative (CGI) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization formed in 2008 and dedicated to building a more sustainable community through partnerships and collaboration with the City of Carmel, as well as Carmel schools, congregations, businesses, community groups and homeowners. To learn more, visit carmelgreen.org