OCTOBER 2018

Hello Friends and Partners...
Last month, Seattle's climate leadership earned us national recognition and a significant award from Bloomberg Philanthropies that will give our climate initiatives a significant boost in the coming years. I'm thrilled to be working with such a talented team and can't wait for all we'll accomplish with this new partnership. More information on this award along with other notable climate and environmental accomplishments below.
Jessica Finn Coven, Director
Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment
KEY SUSTAINABILITY UPDATES
ICYMI: Seattle Named A Winner of American Cities Climate Challenge
On September 14 Seattle was announced as the initial winner of Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge, a nationwide program to help cities accelerate the pace of climate action. With the award, Seattle continues its leadership on equitably reducing carbon pollution and implementing Mayor Durkan's Climate Action Strategy.  More info on this award here. 
Seattle's Benchmarked Buildings Reduce Emissions Nearly 5%
OSE released the most recent analysis of Seattle's Energy Benchmarking program. With three consecutive years of high compliance rates and a focus on improving data quality, the analysis provides the most extensive building performance data to date. The report shows how Seattle's benchmarked buildings are reducing climate emissions, saving money, and improving performance.  More info here.
Seattle Launches Fresh Bucks at Seattle Safeway Stores
The City of Seattle recently announced a new partnership with Safeway to make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable for Seattle residents with limited incomes. Fresh Bucks at Safeway--a healthy food incentive program for SNAP/EBT (food stamps) recipients--means Seattle Safeway shoppers can now leverage their purchase of fruits and vegetables into additional healthy produce. More info. 
Environmental Justice in Action Story Series
Since the launch of the Equity & Environment initiative in 2015, OSE and our partners have been advancing environmental justice through a variety of ways including convening the Environmental Justice Committee, launching the Environmental Justice Fund, and supporting community as they lead on actions that help improve their neighborhood. Over the next few week, OSE will be sharing stories about these community-led projects -highlighting what environmental justice in action can look like at the community level. Our first story featuring the Ethiopian Community in Seattle is here. 

The Office of Sustainability & Environment collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders to develop innovative environmental solutions that foster equitable, vibrant communities and shared prosperity.