Medford's efforts to go green are being recognized with an honor from the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA).

Medford's Go Green Program has been selected at the recipient of the 2012 Kenneth E. Pickard Municipal Innovation Award, presented by the MMA.

“Go Green Medford was selected because the program demonstrates dedication, commitment, and ability to increase the effectiveness of local government by successfully implementing this unique and creative project,” MMA Executive Geoffrey C. Beckwith said in a statement.

According to the statement, which was posted on the city's website, the program was judged on the following criteria: originality, cost effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, community satisfaction and "its ability to address a common community issue."

It was also judged on the "ability to be adapted to other communities and the program had to demonstrate that it improved a municipal service."

Medford Mayor Michael J. McGlynn called the Go Green Program "a city wide initiative that enables Medford to reduce our carbon footprint, while lowering operating costs and developing a comprehensive energy and environmental program affecting all aspects of our community."

He went on to say the program "has helped to define our City and put it on the map as a Green Community as recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."