LANCASTER – The City has launched an internal “Growing Green” campaign
to reduce its impact on the environment. The campaign focuses primarily
on employee awareness, encouraging staff members to engage in green
office practices such as energy conservation, recycling and waste
reduction.
“This campaign demonstrates the City’s long-term commitment to
preserving our natural resources and protecting our environment,” said
City Manager Mark Bozigian. “We are not simply ‘Going Green,’ because
we as an organization chose to do precisely that long before the term
even existed. Instead, we are ‘Growing Green’ by encouraging our staff
to continue existing green practices while cultivating new ones.”
The Growing Green campaign informs employees of ways to change their
daily habits in order to be more environmentally sound. Tips include
turning off computer monitors, unplugging phone chargers, and turning
off power strips when not in use, as leaving them on uses a great deal
of unnecessary energy. Other guidelines emphasize such practices as
ride sharing and waste reduction by printing responsibly, reusing or
recycling paper and reusing packaging materials. The City is also
committed to replacing worn-out office supplies and machines with more
energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products.
Employees are receiving the information through a variety of channels,
including e-mails, the City’s intranet site, posters and memos.
The campaign is the latest in a series of environmentally friendly City
efforts stretching back to 1994, when the City Council adopted the Blue
Skies Program and a resolution to purchase alternative fuel vehicles
whenever feasible. Since then, Lancaster’s green efforts have continued
to grow both internally and externally.
Currently, City Hall offices are equipped with lighting systems that
use motion sensors. The sensors, installed approximately 10 years ago,
automatically shut off lights when no movement is detected in a room
after a certain period of time. A recycling program has also been in
place at City Hall for several years.
Recent additions to the City’s internal environmental efforts include
automatic paper towel dispensers to reduce the amount of waste produced
and energy-efficient air conditioning units, which will save energy
while saving the City money. Officials are also investigating ways to
implement the use of solar energy.
“Our environment is a vital necessity for every member of our
community,” said Bozigian. “We are engaged in a number of efforts to
preserve and protect that environment. I encourage our citizens to do
the same.”
For more information about Lancaster’s environmental endeavors,
including water conservation efforts and tips for residents, visit the
“Going Green” section of the City’s Web site. It can be accessed at
www.cityoflancasterca.org under “About Lancaster.”