Beaverton mayor gets national climate protection award

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Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle was one of two U.S. mayors recognized for leadership in climate protection. 

Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle was one of two top winners in the 2012 Mayors' Climate Protection Awards, an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Walmart.

Doyle was selected alongside Grand Rapids, Mich., Mayor George K. Heartwell.

The awards were set up to recognize mayors for city practices that increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Doyle and Beaverton were lauded for the Solar Beaverton program, run by the city's sustainability division that allowed residents to make bulk purchases of solar panels. The program was set up as a first step toward reducing emissions, encouraging residents to lead a low-carbon lifestyle and ultimately developing a Strategic Climate Action Plan for the city.

Beaverton last year won a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for sustainable development of its Creekside District.

"The city is honored to be nationally recognized for our sustainability efforts," Doyle said in a statement. "In 2009, we reached out to 5,000 residents and they provided clear direction that we do everything we can to reduce our carbon emissions. It's simply the right thing to do."

Grand Rapids won the award for the city's multi-year Sustainability Plan, which has over 200 very specific economic, environmental and social targets.