Green COR contains information about the environmental initiatives for the City of Richardson (COR) and features updates on green news and events happening in the City. Additionally, Green COR provides information on environmental education and programs for citizens. Explore Green COR and join Richardson in its efforts to become more environmentally sustainable!

General News | Awards & Achievements | Press & Publications

Green News
Recent Happenings:

Richardson Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Eltek Valere for Environmental Excellence
The Richardson Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Business and Industry Awards Luncheon today to honor businesses and organizations for their contributions to the local economy and the community. The Chamber and the Richardson Rotary Clubs have held the event for the last 29 years. This year, seven awards were presented by the Chamber and three individuals were recognized by the Rotary Clubs.

First presented in 2009, the Environmental Award is presented to a business or organization for a sustainable or "green" initiative that which is effective, innovative, and can be replicated. Eltek Valere is the Richardson Chamber of Commerce's 2011 Environmental Award Winner. Eltek is a world leader in high efficiency power systems and its flagship Flatpack2 high efficiency rectifier product line has cut close to 200 million kilowatt hours in wasted electricity reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 140,000 tons, saving carriers more than $22 million in power-related operating expenses.

Congratulations to Eltek Valere for their efforts to go green! More information about Eltek Valere is available here: www.eltekvalere.com 

City of Richardson Initiated Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures November 1

Lake Lavon, the City's water reservoir, is currently 12 feet below normal.

The City of Richardson implemented Stage 3 water conservation measures Tuesday, November 1, 2011. The implementation of Stage 3 comes at the request of the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), which is facing critical shortages in its water supply.

Irrigation Schedule (2 times per month until further notice):

Last digit of address*	Allowed landscape water days
1,3,5,7,9 (odd)	1st and 3rd Sunday of the month
0,2,4,6,8 (even)	1st and 3rd Saturday of the month

*The lowest physical street address number will identify apartments, office buildings complexes or other property containing multiple addresses.

The City of Richardson will maintain a twice per month irrigation schedule until further notice. The schedule is designed to meet the NTMWD's goal of conserving as much water as possible until the current drought conditions end.

More information and tips on water conservation can be found on the City’s Water Conservation website. Further information is also available at www.wateriq.org and www.ntmwd.com.

Current Environmental Advisories:

WATER WARNING	AIR POLLUTION

Current Drought Information:

Texas Drought Monitor
Large portions of the state are experiencing extreme and exceptional drought conditions, while the City of Richardson has moderate conditions. Water conservation is a year-round activity, but is especially important in times of drought. For tips on how you can do your part to conserve water, visit the City's Water Conservation page.

Click to enlarge.

Keeping Your Lawn Alive During Drought


James McAfee, Extension Turfgrass Specialist, at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center - Dallas has compiled an informational resource for homeowners concerned with keeping their lawns healthy during the ongoing drought. The information packet is available through the North Texas Municipal Water District's website here: http://www.ntmwd.com/downloads/agrilife_keeplawnalive.pdf.

Achievements and Awards

2011 CLIDE Award Winners Announced
On June 17, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) presented their Celebrating Leadership in Development Excellence (CLIDE) Awards at the Arlington Hilton Hotel. The City of Richardson was recognized for its excellence in "Public Policy and Planning". A comprehensive list of all of Richardson's CLIDE Awards are available here.

Additional Achievements and Awards for the City of Richardson:

• CLIDE award in "Public Planning and Policy" (2011)
• Texas Environmental Excellence Award Finalist - Pollution Prevention (2011)
• Employer of the Year from the North Texas Clean Air Coalition (2010)
• Huffhines Recreation Center received LEED Silver Certification (2010)
• Fire Station #2 received LEED Silver Certification (2010)
• CLIDE award in "Public Planning and Policy" (2009)
• Clean Air Champion from the North Texas Clean Air Coalition (2008)
• Employer of the Year from the North Texas Clean Air Coalition (2007)
• CLIDE award in "Public Planning and Policy" (2007)
• CLIDE award in "Special Development" (2007)
• Employer of the Year from the North Texas Clean Air Coalition (2006)
• Employer of the Year from the North Texas Clean Air Coalition (2005)
• Employer of the Year from the North Texas Clean Air Coalition (2004)
• Best Workplace for Commuters by the EPA and Department of Transportation (2004)
• Texas Municipal League "Excellence Award - City Spirit Category" (2004)
• Honorable Mention from the Texas Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects (2003)
• Urban Design Award - Dream/Vision Award for Six Cities Trail (2002)
• Named a Blue Skyways Collaborative Community

Press and Publications

Check out some of the responses to Richardson's Environmental Initiatives below.

From the Dallas Morning News:

• The Dallas Morning News (page 9) reports on the City of Richardson's involvement in the regional Live Green Expo.

From the Dallas Business Journal:

• The Dallas Business Journal reports the City of Richardson's use of federal EECBG funds to have Texas Institute for Sustainable Technology Solutions install real-time energy sensors on certain facilities will help reduce the City's energy bill $300,000 annually.

From Richardson Today:

• Richardson Today on Environmental Advisory Commission.
• Richardson Today on how the City of Richardson won a Celebrating Leadership in Development Excellence (CLIDE) award for the Spring Valley Station District/Centennial Park Project a transit-oriented development.
• Also in the Richardson Today the Texas Instruments Richardson Fabrication Facility is mentioned. The facility is the largest building in North Texas with Leadership in Environmental Engineering Design (LEED).