Evanston has been selected as a finalist in the World Wildlife Fund’s yearlong environmental competition and will represent the U.S. along with Cleveland and Seattle, the city announced Monday.

The city was one of more than 40 around the world chosen as a finalist in the Earth Hour City Challenge by the WWF and Accenture, a global management consulting firm, for its environmentally-conscious efforts. Other local governments in countries such as France, Singapore, South Africa and Brazil are also in the competition, which focuses on promoting renewable energy, according to a city news release.

Evanston is seven years into its Climate Action Plan, which includes a 100 percent renewable energy program for homes and small businesses, sustainability standards for new businesses and solar panels installed on its water treatment facility, according to a city news release. Evanston also has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2016.

“Sustainability is more than just saving energy — it means creating and maintaining a livable, healthy and efficient community accessible to all residents,” Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl said in a news release.

The city nominated to represent the U.S. in the competition will receive funding from WWF to build on its environmental programs.

One of 16 international cities will be named an Earth Hour Capital by a panel of experts in climate policy and sustainable development.

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