Columbia Association: CA Recognized As Inaugural Partner In The Better Climate Challenge

Press release from Columbia Association:

February 28, 2022

Columbia Association (CA) has officially joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge, committing to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% within 10 years. 

CA was recognized as an inaugural partner during a webinar with Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy.  CA joins other challenge participants – including major healthcare systems, universities and corporations across the country – in a commitment to work toward a low-carbon future. 

“CA has always been and will continue to be dedicated to the protection of our environment,” Community Operations Vice President Dennis Mattey said. “Particularly with our investment in and ongoing maintenance of our community’s open space, this partnership with like-minded organizations across the country truly demonstrates the importance of this kind of intentional work. We look forward to learning and leading in this space moving forward.”

“It is truly an honor to join this national effort that recognizes the real challenges climate change presents and the opportunities CA and others have to mitigate the negative impact,” Director of Energy Jeremy Scharfenberg said. “We cannot wait to act, and this partnership gives us all a sense of accountability and ownership that our team hopes spreads throughout our entire community.”

Committed to a low-carbon future 

The Better Climate Challenge was born out of the urgent need to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This mission aligns with CA’s role as an environmental steward — and more specifically, our goal to be a leader in taking measurable steps to address climate change.

Over the next decade, CA is aiming to reduce GHG emissions by 50% and decrease our energy use intensity by 30%. 

CA is aiming to reduce GHG emissions by 50% and decrease our energy use intensity by 30%. 

In addition to the Better Climate Challenge, CA has also participated in the DOE’s Better Buildings Challenge. We achieved our energy reduction goal of 20% in 2018, and look forward to tackling the next challenge to help protect the environment.

We’re already making steps toward achieving our sustainability goals, which includes: 

Click here to learn more about the Better Climate Challenge. Click here to learn more about CA’s sustainability initiatives.

Share your sustainability efforts!

We know we’re not alone in our pursuit of a healthier environment. We’d love to see what you are doing to make a positive impact. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and tag us in your photos and videos. You might just see them shared with our thousands of CA followers, inspiring even more efforts across our community.

This press release was produced by Columbia Association. The views expressed here are the author’s own.