Allegheny County and City of Pittsburgh officials today announced the federal Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium as a Green Power Partner.

The status of Green Power Partner is awarded to organizations that purchase a minimum of 10 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources and are reducing the risks associated with climate change by supporting sustainable technologies for businesses and communities.

According to officials, the EPA chose the WPEC because of its success in greenhouse gas reduction. Over the next five years, the consortium is expected to purchase enough renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions by 44,800 tons of carbon dioxide.

The consortium was established in 2007 as an energy purchasing function of county and city government. Its objective is to reduce energy costs and consumption for entities including the city of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority, the Sports & Exhibition Authority and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.