TVA designates Oak Ridge a ‘platinum’ community

The City of Oak Ridge has achieved platinum status in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s new “Valley Sustainable Communities” program. This designation will enhance the city’s competitiveness for new investments and jobs when companies are looking to grow in new or expanded locations.

The program is sponsored by TVA and developed and administered by consultant Boyette Strategic Advisors.

“The platinum designation recognizes that the Oak Ridge community has made a significant and comprehensive commitment to sustainability and also has thoroughly integrated economic development into its sustainability efforts,” said Del Boyette, BSA president and chief executive officer.

The City of Oak Ridge has demonstrated a commitment to reduce emissions through the adoption of climate action and pedestrian/bike plans, and to improve healthy living with a commitment to maintaining its numerous greenways and parks.

“I am excited and pleased to see this recognition for our community,” Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson said. “Oak Ridge has a long history of integrating sustainability into economic development initiatives. Whether it’s preservation of green space in Horizon Center Business Park, the solar farms in our Heritage Center Industrial Park, or LEED-certification credits in our PILOT program, we have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. These efforts, coupled with the broad-based sustainability research conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, make Oak Ridge a highly desirable place to live and do business.”

“This platinum rating speaks volumes to companies interested in sustainable growth,” added Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan. “TVA recognizes that our view towards economic development incorporates our citizens’ values related to environmental education, health, and wellness. I want to thank TVA and Boyette for acknowledging our achievements.”

“TVA Economic Development’s mission includes working with our Valley communities like Oak Ridge to assist them to better compete in global markets,” added John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development. “We are seeing that more and more companies have an increasing business emphasis on sustainable operations as they search for a community where they can locate, grow, and enhance their company and employee sustainability commitments.”

More information is available through the city’s website at www.oakridgetn.gov/online/sustainability.