Erie Launches 2030 District, to Announce Nine Founding Property Partners

Partners pledged nearly 2.5 million sq ft to the project, backing the city’s bid for economic revitalization

[ERIE, PA, February 21st, 2019] — Nine Founding Property Partners have committed to Erie’s Emerging 2030 District, an initiative to promote clean and cost-efficient energy and water use in the city, while reducing transportation emissions.

Erie’s 2030 commitment creates an economic boost to the region, providing a roadmap to build high performance buildings. This collaboration positions Erie for a sustainable future, while increasing the region’s economic competitiveness and owners’ return on investment.

The nine organizations will be formally announced at a Founding Partner Recognition event followed by a free energy efficiency workshop on Feb. 25, at 2:30 p.m., at the Erie County Courthouse Cafe. Erie Mayor Joe Schember and County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper will be speaking at the event alongside Green Building Alliance (GBA) Northwestern PA Director, Guy McUmber.

The nine committed Founding Property Partners are:

  1. The City of Erie
  2. Erie County
  3. UPMC Hamot
  4. Benedictine Sisters of Erie
  5. Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania
  6. Emmaus Ministries
  7. Erie City Mission
  8. First Presbyterian of the Covenant
  9. Mercyhurst University

Erie’s Emerging 2030 District is part of a GBA initiative created to establish a network of thriving high performance building districts and cities, uniting communities to catalyze transformation in the built environment. GBA has overseen the Pittsburgh 2030 District, the largest in North America, since its inception in 2012. Erie’s Founding Partners pledged nearly 2.5 million square feet to the project, which constitutes approximately 18% of the overall District total square footage.

Erie now needs only one more Partner to join the 22 other international “Established” Districts, including Cleveland and Seattle.

“The 2030 District not only recognizes those in Erie’s downtown who have made great strides in energy efficiency, it also positions those leaders as resources for others who have not yet made the same improvements,” said Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper. “It reinforces that dynamic, collaborative environment that we are fostering in Erie County, while also prioritizing sustainability and helping to create a more vibrant, resilient downtown.”

District Partners will develop measurable strategies to assist property owners, managers, and tenants in meeting aggressive sustainability goals that keep businesses competitive while reducing costs.

The Erie 2030 District will collaborate with stakeholders and resource partners to create programs, tools, and other opportunities to overcome current market barriers.  Initial steps have been the bi-monthly efficiency workshops that began in August 2018.

“The Founding Partners have not only made a commitment for their buildings, but commitments for the future of the city and the planet,” said GBA Northwest Director Guy McUmber. “I am honored to work with a group that considers efficient and clean energy smart, doable, and vital.”

To register for the event and workshop please visit: https://bit.ly/2N9DhQ4.

CONTACT:

Guy McUmber, Northwest Pennsylvania Director, Green Building Alliance, 814-547-2606 or guym@gbapgh.org

Natalie Stewart, Communications Director, Green Building Alliance, 412-773-6014 or natalies@gbapgh.org

ABOUT GREEN BUILDING ALLIANCE

Green Building Alliance advances innovation in the built environment by empowering people to create environmentally, economically, and socially vibrant places. Founded in 1993, GBA is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization — and one of the oldest regional green building organizations in the United States. GBA proudly serves Pittsburgh and the 26 counties of Western Pennsylvania, with stakeholders across the Mid-Atlantic, United States, and the world.

 

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