The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, MN at 835 West College Street will host the event Wednesday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m.

Duluth's Unitarian Universalist Congregation church was recently completed with a major focus on sustainability. Tours of the LEED-certified building and grounds will begin at 6:30 p.m., half an hour before the Växjö presentation.

When the mayor and other leaders from Duluth’s Sister City of Växjö, Sweden visit Duluth in late July, they’ll be here as representatives of what BBC London calls “The Greenest City in Europe.” The delegation will share with Duluthians the environmental steps it took to earn that title, during a free presentation at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, at 835 West College Street.

Växjö Mayor Bo Frank will lead the hour-long presentation and discussion, which is co-sponsored by the Duluth office of Johnson Controls, a worldwide leader in developing energy-efficient and sustainable solutions, which also has offices in Sweden.

Mayor Frank will describe a comprehensive environmental program the city adopted that encourages people and businesses to act in environmentally friendly ways. He will also cover the city’s Fossil Fuel Free Växjö climate strategy, including goals and actions related to heating, transportation, energy efficiency and behavioral change. The strategy includes reducing CO2 emissions by 50 percent per capita until 2010, compared to 1993. There is a goal of a 70 percent reduction until 2025.

The Fossil Fuel Free Växjö program in 2007 received a “Sustainable Energy for Europe” award from the European Commission. Also in 2007, the Union of Baltic Cities presented Växjö with its Best Environmental Practice in Baltic Cities Award.

Some elements of Växjö’s environmental program include:

-Increasing green purchasing of such things as ecofriendly vehicles and ecologically produced food;

-Promoting a “Greener Växjö” through biological diversity and accessibility to green areas;

-Efficiently using energy and increasing use of renewable energy;

-Increasing bicycle traffic and use of public transportation.

“We’re fortunate that one of Duluth’s Sister Cities is recognized as a frontrunner in the fight against pollution and climate change, and that its leaders are anxious to share their ideas to help further Duluth’s efforts,” said Melissa Kadlec, executive director of Duluth Sister Cities International. “The six members of Växjö’s delegation all speak English, so every participant will be able to exchange thoughts during the event on July 30th. We encourage everyone to attend.”

Kadlec said the Unitarian church’s Green Sanctuary Committee offered to host and help sponsor the event because the presentation fits in well with its environmental approach. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation church was recently completed with a major focus on sustainability. Tours of the LEED-certified building and grounds will begin at 6:30 p.m., half an hour before the Växjö presentation.

In addition to Växjö, Duluth’s other Sister Cities are Petrozavodsk, Russia; Ohara, Japan; and Thunder Bay, Canada. The management of Duluth Sister Cities, established in 1986, was recently changed from being a City of Duluth commission to now being independently managed by a Board of Directors. Duluth Sister Cities International promotes global understanding through mutual respect and cooperation with cultural, economic and educational endeavors.

More information about Växjö is on its website: http://www.vaxjo.se/default.aspx?id=1630

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