U.N. Conference Begins in S.F. Today With PG&E Participating in Panels on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is contributing $100,000 to the 2005 United Nations World Environment Day conference, being held in San Francisco June 1-5. In addition to being a key sponsor, PG&E is also lending its facilities and environmental expertise for several of the conference events.
"This is the first time this important conference has ever been held in the United States," said Bob Harris, PG&E's vice president of environmental affairs. "It's the perfect opportunity for PG&E to share the results of our strong environmental commitment and to learn what others are doing to protect our planet."
PG&E's financial contribution is being made through the City and County of San Francisco's Department of the Environment, which is hosting the 2005 World Environment Day (WED).
"PG&E's generous contribution is vital in helping us host World Environment Day in San Francisco," said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. "I truly appreciate PG&E's support for World Environment Day and the long-standing commitment to community involvement the utility has in the City of San Francisco."
"San Francisco is the most environmentally aware city in America and many of our customers here and throughout California take great pride in their environmental commitment," said PG&E's Harris. "We're honored to help make this conference a reality, and shine an international spotlight on San Francisco's and California's tremendous accomplishments."
PG&E is participating on numerous fronts including hosting workshops and panels on energy efficiency and green building technology. PG&E experts are participating in panels that address climate change, clean fuels, and energy efficiency. Some of PG&E's fleet of heavy-duty trucks that run on compressed natural gas will also be displayed. In addition, information about PG&E's energy efficiency and environmental programs will be part of the two key exhibitions at Fort Mason and the Civic Center.
WED was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. It is hosted the first week in June every year by a different city, and commemorated with an international exposition. The purpose of WED is to stimulate awareness about the environment and to enhance political attention and public action. This year's theme is the urban environment and mayors from around the world are coming to participate.
During the conference, the international gathering of mayors will share ideas and experiences to develop a set of Urban Environmental Accords, which will provide a roadmap for environmental improvements in cities. The Accords cover urban design, transportation, energy, open space, recycling, health, and water-they can be reviewed and commented on at urbanaccords.org. The accords will be signed at San Francisco City Hall on June 5.
Beyond the official calendar of the conference, more than 150 community activities are scheduled around WED. These events are open to the public and include workshops, tours, the Green Cities Expo & art events at Fort Mason, films at the Castro Theater, lectures, presentations, and more. Each day is focused on a specific theme: Urban Power, Cities on the Move, Redesigning Metropolis, Pure Elements, and Flower Power. For more information about WED and associated events, visit www.wed2005.org.
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Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
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