City of Madison Selected as a Semifinalist in the $5 Million Georgetown University Energy Prize
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City of Madison among elite communities across the nation leading the way on energy efficiency
The City of Madison officially advances to the Semifinal round of the Georgetown University Energy Prize, a national competition that is challenging communities across the U.S. to rethink their energy use. At a press event in Washington, D.C. today, the City of Madison was announced as one of the communities who are leading the way on energy efficiency.
"Madison has a long history as a sustainable city; beginning in the 1960s with newspaper recycling in the 70’s with record transit ridership, in the 80’s with growing bike ridership, the 90’s with our overall high recycling rates followed by the commitment to renewable energy," said Mayor Soglin. "Becoming a Semifinalist in the Georgetown University Energy Prize Competition in a wonderful honor. Congratulations to our citizens, city staff, and elected officials who got us this far."
Currently the City of Madison collaborates with our utilities, non-profits, and community groups to further energy efficiency programs. Madison showcases what is possible in energy conservation and efficiency through our LEED certified fire stations and libraries. The Georgetown University Energy Prize Competition gives Madison a chance to focus on homeowners and renters as Madison will be increasing our efforts to save energy in the residential sectors.
"The City of Madison and Mayor Paul Soglin, as well as mayors and executives across the county, have told us that this Prize gives them the momentum to accelerate their energy efficiency efforts," said Dr. Francis Slakey, Founder and Executive Director of the Georgetown University Energy Prize. Slakey continued, "These Semifinalist communities are leading the way for other small- and medium-size cities and counties to secure their energy efficient future."
"The competition looks truly like America," said Dr. Slakey, "Not only do these communities come from across the map, they come from across the political spectrum, represent all socioeconomic strata, and include demographically diverse populations. Some are paying the highest prices for energy; some have the ambition to be carbon net-zero, but all communities share the goal of transforming America's energy future."
To learn more about the Georgetown University Energy Prize and to track the competition’s progress, visit www.guep.org, or follow the Prize on Twitter (@GUEnergyPrize) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/guenergyprize).
About Georgetown University Energy Prize
The $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize challenges small- to medium-size towns, cities, and counties to rethink their energy use, and implement creative strategies to increase efficiency. To compete for the Prize, local governments, residents, utilities, and others will need to work together to demonstrate success in sustainably reducing energy consumption over a two-year period. For more information, visit www.guep.org.
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