University City Seasonal Graphic
homepage

contribute to UCD
Sign Up For Enews

Youcie Program


University City's Special Services District Demonstrates Environmentally Sound Business Practices

(Philadelphia, PA) – University City District (UCD), the neighborhood and business improvement organization just west of downtown Philadelphia, is taking environmental responsibility seriously.  On the heels of the recent Supreme Court ruling requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions that spur global warming, UCD announces its ongoing support of sustainable alternatives to consumption.  University City District believes that it is every businesses responsibility to help protect America's extraordinary natural resources; the health of our families, neighborhood and the strength of our community depend on our stewardship of the environment. 

University City District’s Executive Director Lewis Wendell noted, “In the past two years UCD has made significant efforts to become more environmentally conscious. Whether it is through reducing car trips, using wind power or greening vacant lots, we consider care for the environment to be an integral part of our mission to improve the quality of life in University City.” UCD employs various approaches to a more sustainable workplace and city through the use of bio-diesel, hybrid vehicles, and printing on recycled materials, for instance.  As an organization that strives to do its part for the environment, University City District:

  • Purchases wind power for our offices and warehouse;

  • Uses bio-diesel in its ATLV vehicles;

  • Utilizes a hybrid vehicle for office use;

  • Has a corporate membership in Philly Car Share;

  • Lobbies for increased recycling and helped University City to become part of the City’s pilot program for single stream recycling;

  • Distributes recycling bins and encourages recycling through marketing and outreach;

  • Partners with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, UC Green, and the City NTI program to plant and maintenance trees and other plant materials wherever possible;

  • Sponsored the installation of 12 bat houses as part of a Eagle Scout project by a neighborhood resident;

  • Is working with the Water Department, PHS and UC Green to decrease storm water runoff;

  • Is using soy ink and recycled paper on a recent printing job;

  • Recycles office paper and other recyclables;

  •  Facilitates the operation of the LUCY shuttle which reduces the number of local automobile trips;

  • Cleans and greens hundreds of vacant lots with funding from the City and PHS;

  • Is working with CCD to improve transit stops;

  •  Is working with the Zoo to create a transit loop with 30th Street station to increase visits to the zoo without increasing local car trips.



University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan and advocate for University City’s diverse, urban community. University City is the region’s leading community for technology, research, higher education and health care integrated with historic and desirable residential neighborhoods, vibrant commercial and cultural attractions, and strong transportation connections.  Visit www.ucityphila.org for more information.


Release Date: Thursday, April 12th 2007