Contact:  Steve Coleman, (202) 744-8695

Cliff Majersik, (202) 297-0871

Pascale Maslin, (202) 557-9200

 

On the eve of Earth Day, a broad consortium of DC businesses, property owners, congregations, neighborhood groups, transportation and environmental organizations and activists are joining together to launch an unprecedented campaign to combat global warming.  Starting Sunday and continuing until Earth Day 2008, the Cool Capital Challenge will galvanize the DC region to reduce one billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions – the carbon equivalent of removing over 80,000 cars from our streets — as a dramatic first step to show how cities can lead the way in reversing climate change.  Now live on the web at www.coolcapital.org, the Cool Capital Challenge has already amassed committed reductions totaling over 200 million pounds of carbon dioxide — the carbon equivalent of removing 16,000 automobiles from our streets.

 

Confronting daily reports of the worsening climate crisis, in which the US produces 25% of all greenhouse gases worldwide, organizers of the Cool Capital Challenge say that DC has an opportunity to make a major positive impact with the immediate efficiency and lifestyle changes needed to help avert global catastrophe.  Already, a range of national groups such as the US Conference of Mayors is hailing the Cool Capital Challenge as a potential model for cities across the country.

 

Cool Capital is being featured at today’s celebration of GreenDC Week at 2:30 p.m. at 13th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.  Speaking at the event for Cool Capital will be Lara Hansen, the chief climate scientist for the World Wildlife Fund who contributed to the recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

 

Among key partners launching the Challenge, the Downtown DC Business Improvement District has committed to helping achieve the goal of 71 million pounds of savings from its members in the heart of the capital through collection and dissemination of information about downtown developers, property management and other businesses Green practices and strategies.  Three organizations have each pledged to galvanize 40 million pounds in reductions from their members and partners:  Greater Washington Interfaith Power & Light, a broad regional alliance of congregations; the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, a 35-year-old cycling advocacy and support organization; and the DC chapter of the Sierra Club, a bastion of environmental advocacy since 1892. 

 

Ten Washington-area hardware stores have already signed on to be partners in the Challenge.  Cool Capital has trained each store’s staff to provide expert advice, promote the sale of energy efficient items such as compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL’s), and help their customers join the Cool Capital Challenge.  Several stores are offering special discounts on CFL’s in connection with the launch.

 

Cool Capital Coordinator Pascale Maslin says that the Challenge will draw nearly half of its reduction goal from individual households through a web site, www.coolcapital.org, that will continually track everyone’s commitments.  The campaign is seeking 40,000 households that will make 5,000 pounds in reductions, and 15,000 households to become “Carbon Busters” by making an average of 15,000 pounds in reductions (less for apartment dwellers) and by reaching out to others.  People can join the Challenge by logging on to the website, joining or creating teams, providing energy usage information from electric and gas bills and vehicle mileage, and then pledging to take actions that reduce emissions. The website also has pages where campaign participants can get additional information, a campaign calendar, and links to resources, experts, products, hardware stores, and other support.  The campaign has Carbon Buster leaders signed up in DC and four surrounding counties, and is looking for more to help lead the way.

 

Energy and environmental leaders advising Cool Capital include Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), who chairs the Council’s Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs; Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), who chairs the Council’s Committee on the Environment and Public Works and who led the recent enactment of DC’s trailblazing Green Building Act; and experts with EPA ENERGY STAR.

 

According to Cool Capital Chair Cliff Majersik of the Institute for Market Transformation, most businesses and homes can save 10-20% in energy emissions and costs with little to no capital expense, through such simple changes as caulking holes and cracks, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, installing compact fluorescent bulbs and properly maintaining heating and cooling systems.  Individuals can slash emissions from driving by telecommuting, walking, biking, carpooling, or taking transit.  Using these strategies, most households can save 5,000 pounds of CO₂ and many can save 15,000 or more.  Employers can help by offering employees transit benefits, bike racks, and tele-work options.

 

Organizers say the Cool Capital Challenge can lay the foundation for a wide range of energy innovations and sweeping economic changes for the better.  Majersik said, “The Cool Capital Challenge will put Washington at the leading edge of a wave sweeping the country that recognizes that saving energy is better for business, people’s pocketbooks, and the environment than the traditional ways of generating and using energy.”

 

Majersik is optimistic about the campaign’s potential for impact, saying  “Most people don’t realize how much power we have at the local level to turn around the climate crisis.  As the capital of the most powerful nation on earth and the home to leaders from everywhere, we have a unique opportunity to deliver a message of hope and to lead the way in the fight against global warming.”