Philadelphia launches regional collaborative to tackle climate change, recycling, renewable energy

On Wednesday, city officials were to announce the creation of the Climate Collaborative of Greater Philadelphia. The goal is for the collaborative to serve as a way for local leaders, businesses, nonprofits, colleges, and institutions to coordinate efforts to tackle climate change, purchase renewable energy, and address the current recycling crisis.

Organizers expected about 20 sign-ups by launch. Instead, they got 39 business and community leaders to commit to addressing climate change as a group, according to Christine Knapp, director of the city’s Office of Sustainability. More sign-ups are expected. So far, Yards Brewing Co., Saxbys, Hersha Hospitality Management, MOM’s Organic Market, NRG, Peco, and the Philadelphia AFL-CIO are among businesses and organizations that have signed up for the collaborative.Temple University, Penn State’s local campuses, Philadelphia Community College, and Rowan University in Glassboro are among educational institutions on board. Other universities have expressed interest but have not yet signed up, Knapp said