Banker & Tradesman

July 31, 2009

In a recently released report, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) ranked the city of Boston as the top green city on the East Coast.

The city was recognized for its “exemplary environmental stewardship and sustainability,” according to the NRDC.

 In the report, Boston placed eighth among large cities in the overall eco-smart ranking, and was the top green city on the East Coast.

“We’re making great headway in lessening the environmental impact of our city and it’s nice to get recognition for our efforts,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “Rankings and reports like this show that through our hard work and dedication to sustainability practices, slowly but surely we are definitely turning Beantown into Greentown.”

The NRDC report also placed Boston second in transportation and seventh in energy production and conservation. The report highlighted Menino’s new biking initiative, Boston Bikes, the use of LED traffic signals to save $400,000 a year, wind and solar energy projects, and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA).