City of Renton Recognized as Zero+ Champions of Sustainability

McKinstry and Lumen Field partnered to honor the City of Renton as Zero+ Champions of Sustainability. The initial 2026 awards were presented on September 9 at a ceremony held at Lumen Field during the Seattle Seahawks' NFL season opener against the New England Patriots. The City of Renton was one of four government agencies to receive the award, including Covington Water District, City of Seattle, and City of Redmond.

“It’s a significant accomplishment for Renton to be recognized at this level,” said Mayor Armondo Pavone. “Our commitment to sustainability isn’t about a single project or initiative. It’s built into the everyday work of maintaining our infrastructure, planning capital projects, and investing in a healthier, more resilient community for generations to come. This award reflects years of planning, forward-thinking, and collaboration across the city.” 

The City of Renton received the award for embedding sustainability into long-term planning and daily operations. Renton was among the first in the region to formalize climate action through its original Clean Economy Strategy in 2011. In 2023, the city adopted the Clean Economy Strategy 2.0, a comprehensive roadmap outlining 32 actions across transportation and land use, buildings and energy, consumption and materials, water and natural systems, and community resilience. 

To advance that vision, Renton assessed 62 city facilities totaling 870,000 square feet, producing a 30-year capital plan that provides a clear framework for prioritizing investments. 

“This recognition highlights the type of behind-the-scenes work our teams do everyday,” said Martin Pastucha, Public Works Administrator. “From facility assessments to energy-efficiency upgrades, our staff is committed to making practical, measurable improvements that improve efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save taxpayer dollars.”

Several city facilities, including the Family First Center, Renton Community Center, and Renton City Hall have already implemented strategies outlined in the Clean Economy Strategy 2.0. Aging HVAC systems at the community center have been replaced with high-efficiency equipment, and an Energy Savings Performance Contract is advancing additional upgrades at City Hall. The Family First Center, built in partnership with HealthPoint and the Family First Community Foundation, was designed with sustainability in mind and achieved a USGBC LEED Silver designation. 

Read the full release here.