“As we work to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Houston—in the middle of a heat wave—the connection between climate change and community health cannot be ignored,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said.
Houston's Sustainability Office entered a partnership with British Petroleum on the implementation of the plan over the next four years including efforts to reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency in its buildings. The agreement was also accompanied with a $2 million grant from BP that will help fund new staffers in the sustainability office.
"This really important in terms of moving forward," Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin said. "Other major cities have up to 60 sustainability staffers, and we’re looking to fund two. I really want to spotlight the help of our corporate partners in getting this done."
Earlier this year, BP announced its intention to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050 or earlier, a news release stated.
“The transition to a cleaner, net zero future is an extraordinary opportunity for Houston to lead the global energy transition while also improving the quality of life for millions of people in the region,” said William Lin, executive vice president of BP’s Regions, Cities and Solutions team.
