Henrico County received a 2013 Go Green Award from the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) for demonstrating a commitment to environmentally friendly practices and sustainability in government operations.
VACo honored Henrico and six other counties Sunday, Nov. 10, during the association’s 79th annual conference in Bath County. Henrico also earned awards under the Go Green Virginia program in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012.
Henrico qualified for a 2013 award as a result of various initiatives, which include having 17 buildings registered and eight certified at the Silver level or higher under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Henrico also meets or exceeds regulatory standards for waste management, air quality and water quality. In addition, the county conducts an annual energy symposium, offers energy-related classes at libraries and participates in Earth Day events.
The Virginia Municipal League started the Go Green Virginia program in 2007 to encourage local governments to become more energy efficient and to reduce the costs of providing services. VACo, which supports county officials and represents the interests of counties in Virginia, has participated since 2009.
In addition to Henrico, the counties of Albemarle, Arlington, Chesterfield, Frederick, James City and York received a 2013 Go Green Award.
