Released on: November 29, 2007, 10:56 am

Press Release Author: South Florida Water Management District

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Investing now in a greener future, the South Florida Water
Management District (SFWMD) is making environmentally focused changes to improve
energy efficiency, reduce water use and take advantage of alternative fuels. These
efforts are designed to meet -and exceed-the "green challenge" issued by Governor
Charlie Crist earlier this year. The Governor's executive order directed state
agencies to lead by example in reducing greenhouse gases, increasing energy
efficiency and pursuing renewable and alternative energy sources.





Press Release Body: West Palm Beach, FL -Investing now in a greener future, the
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is making environmentally focused
changes to improve energy efficiency, reduce water use and take advantage of
alternative fuels. These efforts are designed to meet-and exceed-the "green
challenge" issued by Governor Charlie Crist earlier this year. The Governor's
executive order directed state agencies to lead by example in reducing greenhouse
gases, increasing energy efficiency and pursuing renewable and alternative energy
sources.

"The South Florida Water Management District is to be commended for implementing on
its own, much of what the Department of Environmental Protection is helping
coordinate at the state level," said Michael W. Sole, Secretary of the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection. "We applaud and congratulate their efforts."


The District has invested more than $1.3 million on recent facility upgrades,
including switching to high-efficiency lighting, retrofitting air conditioner
chillers to remove ozone-depleting refrigerants and installing more low-flow,
waterless and dual flush bathroom fixtures.

In addition, the District's vehicle fleet includes 162 vehicles equipped to run on
alternative fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and hybrid-electric. In fiscal year
2008, the number of alternative fueled vehicles will rise to 194, making up 44
percent of all District vehicles.

"The District is taking the lead in adopting green technologies, which goes hand in
hand with our environmental restoration initiatives," said SFWMD Governing Board
Chairman Eric Buermann. "We are in the forefront of a growing worldwide movement to
reduce greenhouse gases and protect our resources for future generations."

More green changes at the District are expected in the future through a
partnership established with the U.S. Green Building Council, an organization
transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated.
The District is also working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
and has been designated as an "Energy Star Partner." The EPA's program provides
advice and guidance on how to measure, track and improve energy performance.

"We are grateful to Governor Crist and DEP Secretary Sole for recognizing that
Florida is among the states most vulnerable to the effects of climate change," said
SFWMD Executive Director Carol Ann Wehle. "The District has enthusiastically
embraced the challenge of becoming the state's leading agency in eco-friendly
practices."

In the near future, the District plans to adjust land management practices to
enhance carbon offsets, install a reflective roof membrane as part of its
headquarters roof replacement project, explore green roof and solar panel
alternatives, and increase the number of hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles to 50
percent. The District will also continue to exceed native plant requirements for
building landscaping, begin using biodegradable paper products and environmentally
friendly cleaning solutions, implement eco-friendly building standards in the design
and construction of any new facilities and continue the installation of additional
plumbing and lighting efficiency measures.


# # #

The South Florida Water Management District is a regional, governmental agency that
oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state - 16 counties from
Orlando to the Keys. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water
management districts. The agency mission is to manage and protect water resources of
the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems
and water supply. A key initiative is cleanup and restoration of the Everglades.



Web Site: http://www.sfwmd.gov

Contact Details: Kayla Bergeron
3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FLorida 33406
Office: (561) 682-2017
kayla.bergeron@sfwmd.gov