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Rockville, Montgomery County Green Bank Receive Climate & Energy Awards

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments awarded Rockville City its Government Sector Award for its flood resiliency program.

It also awarded the Montgomery County Green Bank its Non-Governmental Organization Sector Award for its efforts creating the largest solar project in an affordable multifamily project.

Rockville experienced more intense rain storms recently, which resulted in an increase in drainage complaints.

So beginning in 2019, the city began providing homeowners with rebates for rain barrels, trees, native plants, permeable pavers retrofit and pavement removal. It also focused on water quality best management practices, according to COG, which announced the awards at its Wednesday meeting.

In 2023, Rockville spent $1.8 million on a flood resiliency project. This included creating plans to be ready for and to mitigate future storms that are expected to be more intense and shorter in duration.

The Green Bank, which worked with the Virginia Community Capital and the New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation, installed energy efficient solar roofs with reflective coating at Seneca Village Apartments in Gaithersburg.

The $11.4 million project is located in an equity emphasis area. It is a 684-unit complex, and 90% of the units have affordable rents at 60% of the area median income.

With this project, the property will save 2,583,535 kWh in energy, generate more than $300,000 in annual savings, and mitigate 2,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide GHG emissions per year. Over 850 residents of the community will save an equivalent to a month’s worth of utility bills per year, according to COG.

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