FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, August 29, 2007 CONTACT Steve Hardiman, 327-2053
Central Indiana businesses take action for clean air
City, Chamber launch Central Indiana Clean Air Partnership
INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Bart Peterson and representatives of the city’s business community including Eli Lilly & Company, the Rolls-Royce Corporation, R.W. Armstrong and University Place Conference Center & Hotel have embarked on a public-private effort to improve air quality in Central Indiana. Launched today, the Central Indiana Clean Air Partnership (CICAP) will enlist businesses as members based on their willingness to commit to specific actions to reduce air pollution. “Central Indiana’s air quality affects us all, as individuals, as leaders, as businesses and as a community,” said Mayor Bart Peterson. “But it can be difficult to understand what each of us can do to make a difference. Through the partnership, we’re offering businesses clear and simple guidelines for meaningful action.” The Indianapolis Department of Public Works, through its Office of Environmental Services, has outlined a number of steps businesses can take to make a visible difference in central Indiana’s air quality. Businesses that join the CICAP will commit to a specific level of participation (Gold, Silver or Bronze) based on the actions they agree to implement, from retrofitting diesel vehicles with diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) to encouraging employees to ride their bikes to work. “Obviously, clean air is a quality-of-life issue, but it’s also an economic issue,” said Jean Farison, business advocacy manager for the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. “We in central Indiana have made great strides in recent years, but we must continue to embrace every opportunity to improve air quality if we are to attract, retain and build the businesses and workforce vital to our region’s economy.” When a business joins CICAP, it will receive a toolkit that includes a commitment checklist as well as a certificate and window cling identifying the firm as a CICAP member. “We’re delighted that these businesses have stepped up to take a leadership role in this effort,” Mayor Peterson said, “and we’re excited by the difference that we can make together when other businesses follow their example.” CICAP is a program of Knozone, the city’s successful effort to educate central Indiana residents about the health effects of air quality and reinforce simple steps we can all take to improve the air we breathe. Knozone is part of Indy GreenPrint, which sets a vision for a sustainable Indianapolis that contributes to climate protection and promotes energy efficiency and conservation. A part of that vision is to decrease energy demands and improve air quality. Businesses interested in becoming CICAP members can request materials by visiting the CICAP Web site, www.indycicap.org. − 30 −