Ozarks GreenScore certifies city of Branson

The city of Branson is the first municipality to earn certification by Springfield-based Ozarks GreenScore, a nonprofit group recognizing environmental practices.

During the Board of Aldermen meeting last night, Branson officials received a silver certification for their efforts in eliminating waste, streamlining processes and emphasizing recycling that saved the city more than $100,000 and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2 million pounds, according to a city news release.

“City employees have a strong commitment to sustainability, and every department has completed an impressive list of accomplishments, with more being planned for the future,” Branson City Administrator Dean Kruithof said in the release.

The city is the third organization in Branson, behind Connell Insurance Inc. and Tantone Industries Inc., and it is among roughly 20 entities to earn a qualifying score on Ozarks GreenScore’s 82-question self-assessment, according to OzarksGreenScore.com. Silver-certified companies score between 70 percent and 79 percent of total points possible.

Branson joins silver members Candlewood Suites, Discovery Center of Springfield Inc., Drury University, Global Fayre, K&S Wire Products Inc., Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Stamina Products Inc.

Branson officials noted a few achievements in recent years that helped the city earn a qualifying score:

• Employees are participating in an employee sustainability council and incentive program to recognize departmental sustainability initiatives, which have resulted in a $19,591 savings in 2012.
• The city entered into an energy performance contract with Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. to upgrade lighting and install motion detectors, high-efficiency pumps and motors – moves that reduced city greenhouse gas emissions by 2.2 million pounds.
• Officials calculated energy savings of $116,086 last year.
• The city operated Branson Recycle Center added a glass recycling program that includes a drop-off site on Highway 76.

The voluntary, nonregulatory Ozarks GreenScore program is designed to motivate businesses and organizations to adopt environmentally sustainable practices in the in areas of waste and energy management, community involvement, and water conservation and quality, according to the group’s website.