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Recognizing PECO for their environmental stewardship and leadership and thanking them for their generous contributions towards sustainable initiatives in Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility based in Philadelphia serving 1.6 million electric and 480,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, PECO employs approximately 2,500 people in the region and is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region’s most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs; and
WHEREAS, PECO’s focus on sustainability includes numerous programs focused on energy conservation for its operations and customers; and
WHEREAS, PECO released a comprehensive five-year, environmental initiative in August 2008 totaling more than $15.3 million of work including the opening of PECO’s first green building in West Chester, the installation of a green roof and a new Crown Lights system at the company’s Center City headquarters, work to secure Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for many company work sites, and environmental and energy efficiency community and customer support; and
WHEREAS, Commenting on PECO’s environmental initiatives, Denis O’Brien, President and CEO of PECO stated, “We are proud to open PECO’s first green building and take major steps to demonstrate our corporate commitment to environmental stewardship. We all are responsible for the environment – as business leaders and as citizens. The work at West Chester shows how the changes we make impact the world around us. And I personally look forward to the many more exciting changes planned during the next twelve months;” and
WHEREAS, The green roof planned for PECO’s headquarters at 23rd and Market Streets will cover more than 45,000 square feet and save in heating and cooling costs; and
WHEREAS, The roof, designed by Philadelphia-based Roofscapes, Inc. will be the largest green roof on an existing urban building in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, In addition to greening its own buildings, PECO is donating $50,000.00 to the Free Library of Philadelphia for their own green roof project; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, PECO has donated 1,300 energy efficient light bulbs to the City of Philadelphia to efficiently illuminate City Council Chambers, Caucus Room, Chief Clerk’s Office, and general offices next to Chambers, in addition to the Mayor’s Reception Room and Conversation Hall; and
WHEREAS, These bulbs, totaling $25,000, will save taxpayers around $11,000 annually in electricity costs. Furthermore, the bulbs will last longer, saving on maintenance; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize PECO for their environmental stewardship and leadership and thanking them for their generous contributions towards sustainable initiatives in Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to PECO’s President and CEO Denis O’Brien as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body.
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