On 21 April 2008, an Ecologic Transatlantic Breakfast was held in Berlin on the occasion of the visit of the energy manager with Arlington County (VA, USA), John Morrill. Mr. Morrill presented the on-going climate actions and progresses made so far for energy efficiency and emission reduction at both national and local scales. He highlighted the County’s initiative to reduce emissions through the program AIRE - Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions -, in which a goal of 10% cut in greenhouse gases (GHG) from County government operation 2000-2012 has been set.

John Morrill introduced the county action logo “leading by example” by cutting energy use, using more renewable energy (wind and solar energy projects), enhancing green building policy as well as emphasising on recycling. Trough strengthening partnership with local and regional environmental groups, U.S. energy star program, public participatory programmes, Arlington County achieved significant rewards for its green initiatives. Energy efficiency regarded as Job #1 found 5 year payback on improvement (20% - return on investment). He referred to the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEEDTM) as well established and encouraged to be widely applied in commercial, residential buildings; additionally, smart traffic lights as well as in house efficiency improvements are also practiced.

John Morrill emphasized that “Arlington will be a diverse and inclusive world-class urban community with secure, attractive residential and commercial neighborhoods, where people unite to form a caring, learning, participating, sustainable community in which each person is important.”

John Morrill was invited by the US Embassy for Earth Day (April 22), where he was speaking on "Making a Difference at the Grassroots: Successful Climate Protection Campaigning in Arlington County, Virginia". His tour in Germany also included Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg from April 21-25, 2008.

Further Links:

• Ecologic Dinner Dialogue: Comparative Domestic Policies – Experiences at the Subnational Level – Miranda A. Schreurs
• Ecologic Project: Federalism in Germany and the USA: Environmental Regulatory Implications and Trends
• Arlington County Energy Manager Wins National EPA Climate Protection Award

Date: 21.04.2008
Speaker: John Morrill (U.S.)