The City of Manhattan Beach has received a 2016 Silver Beacon Award for environmental responsibility from the Institute for Local Government and the Statewide Energy Efficiency Collaborative. The city, one of only eight in California to receive the award, was honored for its comprehensive approach to address climate change.
 
Manhattan Beach has a long-standing commitment to creating and encouraging a sustainable, environmentally responsible community. In recent years, it has banned the use of plastic bags and polystyrene containers, implemented a pioneering food waste program, and prohibited smoking in both public areas and multi-unit housing. It has also adopted a number of policies that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb energy use, resulting in a 20% reduction of agency energy use since 2010.

 “This award is a great honor for our city, allowing us to reflect on just how far we’ve come in preserving our beautiful beach community,” said Mayor Tony D’Errico, "We are excited to continue the city’s work in supporting a healthy, environmentally conscientious community.”

The Beacon Program provides a method for municipalities to both share their own best practices in sustainability, as well as learn from others in how they seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and promote sustainable behaviors.

The city is a strong participant in the Beacon program, and received a Platinum Level Award in Sustainability Practices, demonstrated a 9% reduction in both community and agency greenhouse gas emissions, an 8% improvement in natural gas savings and a 26% improvement in agency energy savings.

Manhattan Beach’s Environmental Programs Manager Sona Coffee said, “The progress the city of Manhattan Beach and this community have made in sustainability initiatives is very inspiring, and is indicative of the dedication and support required to continue reducing our climate and environmental impacts in the years to come.”