Ameren Illinois recognizes cities statewide for sustainability
CHICAGO—The town of Washington teaches municipal leaders, schoolchildren and the community about natural gas and electrical safety. Effingham built an inclusive playground for children with a broad range of physical and cognitive abilities. Normal helped repair and renovate homes for people in need.
These three are among the nine recipients of Ameren Illinois’ annual “Progressive City” awards.
Marcelyn Love, spokesperson for Ameren, told American Gas that the program started seven years ago as a way to reward communities for energy efficiency. Along the way, it further encouraged businesses and communities to reduce their carbon footprint and save kilowatt hours. For the first time this year, the program went beyond energy efficiency to reward communities for sustainability and other initiatives that improve the quality of life for their residents.
Also for the first time, Ameren offered winning communities awards of $2,500, which can be used toward a project of their choice.
“By expanding, we could offer a wider range of communities to be recognized,” Love said.
Washington received its award because municipal leaders have been active in bringing Ameren’s outreach team to employees, community groups and schools to talk about natural gas and electrical safety, Love said.
Washington plans to use its award money for decorative street lights. Effingham will use the money for a solar lighting project, and Normal is building insect hotels.
Other communities that were named are:
“The Progressive City initiative allows us to recognize the important work that is being done throughout our service territory to improve environmental stewardship, reduce energy consumption and instill pride in our communities,” Ameren Illinois President Richard J. Mark said.