Innovators and Inspirers Honored at 2010 Breath of Life Awards

BREATHE LA BESTOWS 2010 BREATH OF LIFE AWARDS

 

Innovators and Inspirers Honored for Commitment to Clean Air, Healthy Lungs Los Angeles (April 9, 2010) - Last night, BREATHE LA honored leaders in education, industry, finance and government at the 2010 Breath of Life Awards, held at the Petersen Automotive Museum. The awards recognized honorees who strive to promote clean air and healthy lungs in Los Angeles County each and every day. By holding the event at a museum that honors Southern California's car culture, Breathe LA is raising awareness about new and innovative public and private sector approaches to address improved air quality and health.

 

"Air quality affects all of us, whether we're sitting in our car on the freeway, running around the playground at recess, playing card games with friends at the senior center or earning our pay at work," Enrique Chiock, President and Chief Executive Officer of BREATHE LA said. "We must reach across social and cultural boundaries and work together to do what's best for our lungs and our future. This year's Breath of Life recipients admirably do just that."

 

The Breath of Life Award went go to Masaaki Tanaka, President and CEO of Union Bank. Union Bank's commitment to the environment extends to all aspects of the company's culture and operations with involvement and governance from executive management. Amongst its long list of environmental initiatives, Union Bank has a commitment to reduction in GHG Intensity of 9% by 2013 over 2008 baseline levels. Under Mr. Tanaka's leadership, Union Bank has strongly supported Breathe LA's efforts to educate stakeholder audiences about the risks posed by poor air quality and lung ailments, and provide ways to improve the quality of life for those affected.

 

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry, Ninth District, received the Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of her ongoing efforts to improve air quality throughout the Los Angeles region. Councilwoman Perry is the current chair of the Los Angeles City Council's Energy and Environment Committee and the Los Angeles representative on the AQMD governing board.

 

"The work being done by Breathe LA is critical to our ability to educate and embrace the challenges of the future having to do with clean air initiatives to ensure the respiratory health of the people living in the Los Angeles region. The contribution they make to promote clean air, respiratory health, and smoke free environments elevates the entire community and we are deeply grateful for their efforts on our behalf," said LA City Councilwoman Jan Perry.

 

BMW Group's honor of the Innovation Award recognized the world-renowned automotive maker for their forward-thinking approach to "green" vehicle technology. For the fifth consecutive year, BMW Group is the ranked the top automobile manufacturer by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. A recent report shows that the BMW Group's US fleet average for CO2 emissions has been reduced by 12% from 1990 to 2005 and its fuel economy has improved by 14%, despite the introduction of many new passenger cars and light-duty trucks.

 

"The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. We are honored to receive this Breathe of Life award for our leadership in green technology and energy efficiency," said Bob Frisch, Vice President, Western Region, BMW of North America, LLC.

 

Los Angeles Unified School District went green before most of the rest of the world knew what that meant. The District will receive the Community Impact Award for their ongoing efforts with constructing new sustainable schools and renovating existing facilities; developing the country's largest Compressed Natural Gas bus fleet; recently launching renewable solar energy projects; and developing curriculum based on their environmental initiatives.

 

Close to 300 dignitaries, community leaders and clean technology experts gathered for an inspirational evening to benefit the most vulnerable in the community through BREATHE LA's high quality programs and services. The event included private hosted museum tours as well as special viewings of new vehicles such as the BMW Mini E electric car. There was also a silent auction, a dinner and awards reception, and live jazz music.

 

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