American University recently won the 2016 District Sustainability Award in the People’s Choice category at a ceremony held at the Embassy of Finland. The award, presented by Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Director Tommy Wells, recognizes outstanding achievements and leadership in sustainability. The honorees support the goals of the DC sustainability plan, Sustainable DC, in areas such as energy and water conservation, renewable energy production, healthy food access, stormwater management, green jobs development, and sustainable waste management.

AU’s People’s Choice Award was a new category to the District Sustainability Awards that allowed the public to cast their votes for the most sustainable entity from a ballot of nominees.

On receiving the award, AU’s Director of Sustainability Programs, Megan Litke said, “We are honored to have been recognized by our community across the city for our work in sustainability. American University’s continued commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2020 and adopting green strategies across our campus has allowed AU to become a living laboratory for sustainable practices that our students and community can learn from and enjoy. We are energized and ready to continue to work with DOEE, our fellow campuses, and our neighbors around the city to achieve the goals of Sustainable DC together.”

DOEE Director Tommy Wells added, “We know cities need to take bold action to lower greenhouse gas emissions nationally. It’s also clear that leadership from local governments and the private sector will be critical to increasing resilience and mitigating the effects of climate change. This year’s District of Columbia Sustainability Award winners illustrate how private sector partners are working with local government to test innovative concepts and integrate sustainability into everyday operations. They are true leaders in making the District a greener, healthier, more livable city.”

DC ranks first in the country for per capita LEED- and ENERGY STAR-certified square footage among large cities, first in the nation in per capita green roof square footage, and is a national leader in biking, walking, and transit commute rates.