Mayor Rocky Anderson and two city employees were on hand Tuesday at London's Royal Courts of Justice to pick up the star-shaped trophy.

"This work is about better public health, a better quality of life and a more sustainable future for all," Anderson said in a news release. "I am grateful for everyone who has helped Salt Lake City shine as an important leader in the international community. We will continue our efforts with renewed vigor."

According to the World Leadership Forum's Web site, the award goes to cities whose leaders have shown exceptional imagination, foresight or resilience in a number of key fields and acted as an example and inspiration to others.

In competing for the award, Anderson made a 30-minute multimedia presentation, followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer session.

Salt Lake City's merits stem from a host of environmental policies Anderson enacted shorty after taking office in 2001. They include such things as changing all the stoplights in the city to LED bulbs and adding alternative-fuel vehicles to the city's fleet.

"Cities are where the rubber meets the road," says Michelle Wayman, director of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, which recently named Anderson to its national board of directors. "Salt Lake City, through its programs, is a prime example of what can be done to help change the environmental course this country and the world is taking."

The city had to put up a $5,240 application fee to compete for the award. The fee was paid by WordPerfect co-founder Bruce Bastian. Donors also paid for travel expenses for Anderson and two staff members - environmental program manager Vicki Bennett and adviser Lisa Romney.