In addition to the tree, Anderson recently moved forward with another of his new initiatives. The Planning Commission unanimously supported his plan to require that all buildings larger than 10,000 square feet, which are run by the city or receive city funding, be built to environmentally friendly LED building standards. Those standards, set by the U.S. Green Building Council, dictate that buildings should be in-fill redevelopment where possible, be located near transit lines and be energy efficient.

Anderson's plan will now be forwarded onto the City Council for final consideration.

Not everyone, however, is totally pleased with all aspects of Anderson's environmental policy. Jeff Salt, who runs the Great Salt Lake Keeper organization, recently protested during a celebration marking Salt Lake City's receipt of the World Leadership Award. Salt maintains Anderson has abandoned an environmentally sensitive area along the Jordan River near the Great Salt Lake by advocating for a new regional sports complex there.

"Soccer fields and soccer complexes create negative impact on the river," Salt said. "We feel that this is not an environmentally friendly development. We feel that Mayor Anderson and his political constituents are trying to shove a soccer park down our throats."

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Environmental recognition accorded to Salt Lake City

• World Leadership Award in the Environmental Category was presented.

• Rocky Anderson was sponsored by International Council for Local Environmental Initiative to attend the United Nation's COP10 global warming conference.

• Salt Lake City received the 2004 Leadership Award for Green Power Purchasing from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

• Anderson received the 2004 Association for Commuter Transportation Leadership Award.

• Salt Lake City received the 2004 Innovation Award for the U.S. Conference of Mayor's Cans for Cash Challenge.

• Anderson was sponsored by the EPA to attend the United Nation's COP8 global warming conference in New Delhi, India.

• The National Sierra Club's Distinguished Service Award was given to Anderson in 2003.

• Utah Medical Association bestows its Environmental Stewardship Award on Anderson.

• Anderson named the 2002 Political Leader of the Year by the Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club

• International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives named Salt Lake City a "Climate Protection Partner" for its commitment to help slow global warming

• Mayor Anderson received the 2003 EPA Climate Protection Award.

• Sponsored by Anderson's office, Salt Lake Clean Cities, a program that promotes alternative fuel vehicles, received the 2002 Madison Avenue Award of the National Clean Cities Coalition for outstanding public outreach.

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Variety of green initiatives taken by Salt Lake City